Eagles Stalwart Notches up 300

EAST Fremantle Amateur Football Club will celebrate the career of one of its greatest clubmen when long-time player and committee member Patrick de Haan plays game 300 this Saturday.

Initially going to the club to help make up numbers for a team short on players, de Haan stayed involved with East Fremantle for the next 20 years, both on the field and across a variety of roles off it.

Now, after two knee reconstructions and a broken ankle, de Haan will finally reach game 300 in the final match of the season against Carlisle this weekend.

Included in his 300 games for East Fremantle are five club best and fairest awards – one league, three reserves and a thirds, as well as well as three Premierships.

Even though he reached the ultimate success, Pat says the highlight of his 20 years at the club was receiving his life membership in 2003.

“While most people would put winning a premiership as the highlight, and don’t get me wrong they are, for me getting my life membership and being part of this club is the highlight.” He said

“I have made a lot of great mates along the way and that’s what I take away once I finish playing.”

Over the past two decades he has served in a variety of roles off the field too, first as a General Committee Member, then Treasurer and he has now been President for the past 8 years, a role he took as a way to stay involved with the club after his first knee reconstruction.

Long-time team mate and current coach Gary Fitzgerald said de Haan has given his all for the club and deserves all the accolades that come his way.

“Having been around the club for about 11 years myself and having played in the 3 premierships with Paddy, he is a very loyal, committed and hardworking President and clubman.” He said

“He has pushed his body to play sometimes 2 games in a day even after a serious knee injury.”

“Paddy came to the club a young man with a raging mullet and has contributed so very much to ensure the club operates and is as successful as it can and has been.”

“It’s a credit to him and all accolades he receives are well deserved.”

Like many great clubmen, Pat says he couldn’t have reached the milestone without the support of his family.

“Mum & Dad work the canteen each home game and my wife Hayley has been extremely supportive in understanding the time commitments involved with the various aspects of running a footy club.” He said

“She understands my passion for the game and club and the huge part of my life that it is.”

Bounce down for Pat’s 300^th is at 12:35pm, Saturday August 18 at Winnacott Reserve.

Club sponsors Dwayne form Iron Roof Design and Couchy from Fielders will be on hand to assist with presentations on the day.