FORMER Claremont league player Harold Everard Birch became the first ever WAFL player to celebrate his 100th birthday after reaching the milestone just before Christmas.
Born on December 22, 1909 in Perth, Mr Birch played five league games and kicked one goal for Claremont in 1934. He was mainly a defender with a booming torpedo punt kick and was still able to reminisce on his 100th birthday.
After being congratulated on making the century Mr Birch said: “Well I didn’t have to do much really other than keep breathing.”
And when he was informed that he was the first WAFL league player to reach 100 years of age he was a bit taken aback.
“What - in the whole shebang?” he asked and then added: “Well I’m quite honoured to hold this record.”
Mr Birch has Subiaco's Ron Fitch breathing down his neck at 100 years of age this June. Interestingly Harold's father Arthur Somers Birch also played league football between 1891 and 1893 for Centrals and then Rovers Football Clubs, but only lived to the age of 68.
Players who have gone past their 98th birthday include Ernest Caesar (East Fremantle) and Harold (Grip) Johnson (Rovers 1898 ex Melbourne VFL).
Jack Jennings of Subiaco passed away early last year four months short of his 98th birthday. Many players have gone well past 90 including Lal Mosey of Swans, Bert Boundy (East Perth), Bart Buzolic (West Perth), Paul Walsh (West Perth).
Those who are still living include Thorald Julian (Claremont – 94), Andy Zilko (Swans, 98 in March) and Ron Fitch (Subiaco – lives in Adelaide and turns 100 in June 2010).
Anyone who has information about other long-lived WAFL players or the oldest living player at each WAFL club can contact webmaster@wafc.com.au