The Hampton Rovers Football Club is saddened to hear of the passing of Life Member Athol Porter.
Born in 1925, the man who many regard as the number one supporter of the club passed away last Thursday.
Athol attended his first Hampton Rovers game in 1950 to watch his brother Kelvin. A year later he saw the Rovers defeat Ormond with the last kick of the day to win the club’s only A-grade premiership.
Despite never playing for the club, he fell in love with the Hampton Rovers and helped in various capacities continuously for over 60 years.
He ran raffles for over 10 years, served on the committee, built a portable canteen and flag poles, erected the Australian and club flags for home games, painted the scoreboard, cleaned the rooms, marked the grounds and was a timekeeper for many years. It was only his expanding earthmoving business that preventing him from accepting the Presidency of the club.
Athol had been a regular at home game luncheons but ill-health in recent years had restricted his visits to the club.
In 2008, Athol was interview by the Herald Sun as part of AFL Community Football Weekend – click here to view the article.
In 2010, he was recognised at the final home game luncheon of the year for his 60 years continuous service to the club.
A private family funeral service was held for Athol on Monday.
The club sends its condolences to Gwen & Family.
Photo: Athol Porter with Denver Artz following the 2001 Grand Final win
