Bill Brew began as secretary of the Second 18 from 1922 to 1929. He joined the senior committee in 1930.
After a decade of lean years when the club played finals only once, Bill Brew in 1942 was elected vice president of the club and held this position till 1959. This period included a golden era in the club’s history when from 1942 to 1951 the club played in the grand final every year but one, winning four premierships in that time.
In 1959, Bill Brew’s dedication and knowledge were rewarded when he was elected club president, a role he performed right up until his death.
By every account Bill Brew was a meticulous administrator and fastidious financial manager. Under Bill Brew’s leadership the club’s financial wellbeing was his priority.
Brew’s committee colleague and club vice president, Clive Ward, said that Bill Brew was ‘decisive, positive and forthright’ and that ‘no one could ever doubt that he had the club’s best interests at heart’.
Hall of Fame inductee John Birt, who was Essendon’s Players’ Representative during Bill Brew’s presidency said of him ‘He always protected the club, always. He was a great Essendon man, there is no doubt about that’.
Under his presidency the club won the 1962 and 1965 premierships.
Bill Brew died in office while serving his beloved Essendon Football Club. In his last year as president the Essendon annual report said of him;
For the ninth year in succession Mr W G Brew graced the presidential chair, where his knowledge of administration, all matters relating to the welfare of Essendon and football in general, is carefully sifted and the interests of all members carefully guarded.
We induct Bill Brew as a Legend of the Essendon Football Club Hall of Fame .
