Article by Caitlin Arnold
It’s early Saturday morning down at Gore Hill Oval. The sun is out, but unless you are standing in it’s spotlight, the chilly air beckons your winter parka. Dew clings to the field as the first click-clack of the player’s boots leaving the change rooms rings out. The red and black of the North Shore Bombers are about to take the field and do their darndest to protect their turf.
For many years, this has been the Saturday morning of the Fitzgerald’s – just one of the many family dynasties of local Sydney AFL.
With club President Liz Fitzgerald at the ground while most of us are still asleep, she spends the morning making sure the clubhouse is in match-day condition. Later, Alan begins his pacing of HQ’s balcony – Bombers shirt and hat to match. Dale and Brendan soon hit the oval running for the Premier squad as Dale’s son, Cooper, watches dad from the hill, sporting his miniature North Shore jersey. Chelsea and Mel pitch in where they can, often finding themselves in the canteen assembling ham and salad sandwiches for the masses. Meanwhile, Rebel – their dog – barks in support of his beloved Bombers from the sidelines.
Attending North Shore games since she was a teenager, Liz now represents the club in the highest possible manner, as President and Life Member – with two premiership medals to boot. While Alan wore the red sash until 1991, their sons Dale and Brendan debuted in 2005 after years spent on the hill with their sisters and cousins, watching their dad and uncles give it to the opposition.
“The girls have probably spent more time on the hill than some of the players,” says Liz, providing an example of how Bomber blood runs through their veins.
Giving back to the club that has given so much to them is the motivation for Liz and her family to return each and every week.
“The club just keeps on giving and if you let it, it is a very rewarding place to be a part of. It is true what they say that you make lifelong friends at footy clubs.”
A close-knit unit, the Bombers act as an extended family to the Fitzgerald’s, and it is that feeling which they try to emulate between their players. While other clubs head to the pub once a week, or month, for a post-training feed, the Bombers are enjoying a homemade roast by Liz in their clubhouse.
“For me personally, the Thursday night dinners are an institution. It is a time for the players to relax, have a home cooked meal, share a joke and the celebrate achievements of their mates.”
“Having produced my share of dinners, it is lovely to see how appreciative the boys are of your time and effort. There is a great atmosphere every Thursday.”
To spend a day observing on the balcony at Gore Hill, is to marvel at the volunteers who arrive ready and willing. From turning snags on the BBQ, to flipping the numbers on the scoreboard, the family created within the North Shore community is something to be envied. First to admit that this is not a unique experience of the North Shore Bombers, Liz acknowledges the hard work provided by the many volunteers across the local AFL scene.
“It is the same for every club, we are no different or more special. We all volunteer and do what needs to be done to keep the boys on the paddock.”
With all five Bomber outfits taking the field at Gore Hill this Saturday – the Under 19s under lights late in the day – Liz is thrilled to be welcoming back the Bombers’ faithful for another year.
“It has been a long time coming and everyone has been waiting for the first home game of the season.”
“Following the days play, we have our Tight and Bright 80’s Night-so there are bound to be various colourful costumes coming out of moth balls.”
“During the day we will have the Bendigo Bank presence with giveaways and advice, our new ‘Kids Korner’ will be in operation to cater for our youngest supporters, along with our five teams giving their all – what more could you ask for?”
Last Modified on 11/04/2014 16:10
