Eaton Junior Football Club set to celebrate 50 years

On any given Saturday at junior football grounds throughout the South West, dedicated volunteers and parents are putting in the hard yards so our kids can enjoy playing the game they love. The Eaton Eagles Junior Football Club, like many clubs in the region, are spoilt for choice when it comes to quality people stepping up to help — which is one of many reasons why they are celebrating their 50th year in 2022. “The club started in 1972 by Jocey and Reg Fishwick,” club president Brendan Billett said. “Back then, the club started with a handful of teams, and now 50 years on, we are sitting on 18. We also have four girls teams, so the club is in a very healthy position.” The Eagles will host a club function to commemorate the anniversary on September 10 at the Eaton Bowling Club, and demand for tickets has already begun. One man who remains close to the Eagles is Alan Crane — father of South Bunbury league midfielder Shaun — who fondly recalls when he first arrived from the Great Southern. “We arrived in 2000 and were looking for somewhere for Shaun to play,” Crane said. “We were lucky enough to be invited along to the club — and I suppose the rest, as they say, is history. “I believe the Eagles also give back to volunteers. My wife Wendy and I have met plenty of great people along the way along with work, because of the club.” A number of SWFL senior players, including Viv Blurton (Carey Park) and Brendan Page (Eaton Boomers) also volunteer their time as junior coaches, with the young players lapping up every pearl of wisdom provided.