Tim Bell has been a Melbourne supporter for the past 14 years. He is aiming to be a member for the next 66 years, hoping to catch his late grandfather’s achievement.
WHEN Melbourne’s team of the century was named several years ago, there was a call for nominations for the “supporter of the century.”
My late grandfather, George Bell had a pretty strong resume for the post, so I nominated him, but to no avail. Still, to this day, I reckon he should have been a shoe in!
Why?
Well, it started in earnest in 1926 when the Redlegs, (aka as Melbourne) hadn’t won a flag since federation.
In the stands that day was George Bell, an eight-year old boy, cheering wildly for the Redlegs and his hero Ivor Warne-Smith.
The Dees won the coveted trophy and a lifelong love, passion and dedication to the Melbourne Football Club was born.
In 1996, 70 years on, he was closing in on his 44th consecutive year as a timekeeper for the club. He could count on one hand the number of Melbourne games he missed in 70 years, which is quite remarkable.
He commenced timekeeping for the under 19s in 1953, the same year Ron Barassi Jnr made his senior debut, and George had taken a special interest in a young giant named Bob Johnson, whose father dominated in the 1926 premiership side.
After 16 years with the thirds, George was timekeeper for the reserves in 1969-70.
From 1971-97, he was in charge of the senior side, which was a privilege very close to his heart. He would often talk of the joy and delight the job gave him, all while playing a role for the club he truly loved.
His true love for the job and club was highlighted in the twilight of his career, as the competition became national and he travelled to Sydney, Perth and Adelaide.
It’s fair to say it was an arduous task in his late 70s and early 80s, especially in Adelaide as there were no elevators at Football Park. Still, any inconvenience was quickly washed away, as he got to watch his beloved Dees.
His son Andrew (my father) followed firmly in George’s footsteps. He was a truly passionate Demons supporter, before he sadly passed away at a relatively young age in 1989.
Despite living in Perth, I proudly carry on the family’s love of Melbourne.
My son Cameron boldly wears his Dees guernsey to his under-11 footy training, in a sea of Eagles and Dockers. He remains steadfast the Dees are coming good and would never wear anything else, which keeps the old man pretty happy!
George was awarded life membership at Melbourne in 1977 and continued to support the Dees even when his body didn’t allow him to go to the ‘G.
He officially retired from his post in 1997 and passed away in 2008, aged 91.
It just goes to show that you don’t have to be Barassi, Jim Stynes or Norm Smith or a player to make a mark on a great footy club.
‘The team we love’ is a regular feature on melbournefc.com.au. It is written by the Melbourne supporters for the red and blue faithful. If you would like to contribute any story about the club (eg. about your favourite player, the reason why you barracked for the Demons or your even your match-day routine) please email your story to editor@melbournefc.com.au
