The Name Change

[Mickie Lane]

I clearly remember the first time I heard of league. I was about seven and dad was talking to a friend about an upcoming game between Wests and Balmain. When I asked him what they were he explained - footy teams. So I asked him where there any others and he rattled off a few more. I distinctly remember the word Easts and replied, well I'm following Easts. Dad bought me a Dally M leather footy and built a set of goalposts in the backyard. I was 'addicted'.

Dad was an old codger when I was born - he was born in 1894 - so I got all the old Dally M stories as dad rated him the greatest ever. The family lived in 50 Glenmore Road before moving westward in the 1920's. One day when I proudly came home with Dave Brown's autograph, Dad brushed it off with not as good as Dally. But to Dad Trumper was always better than Bradman too, Dad played competitive cricket well into his sixties. I'm around that age now and have always loved Easts. I can cop the Roosters symbol as Big Jack introduced it.

Through the highs and the lows it's been a great ride with some magical players and warm memories. They'll always be Easts to me. I just loved the name first time I heard it and loved the guernsey first time I saw it. Never considered following anyone else, although had a soft spot for Norths and Newtown and used to trek also to Henson in my youth. But it's always been Easts and it's a pleasure to be among the like minded.

Love the story Louis.
Im 51 & there is a chance we ran for the same corner post or played a little game of footy together after the FG was finished at the old sports ground.