AT LAST week’s AGM, two of the Club’s most stalwart volunteers were recognised for their contribution, when Gary Marchant, Club statistician and volunteer coordinator, was accompanied by Arthur Wilkinson, long time doorman, being recognised for a lifetime of service.
Both were surprised by their award, and as Arthur said afterwards, ‘I had no idea. It’s one of those things you appreciate.’
His longevity is tribute to his dedication to the Club, and the names of those with whom he has been involved provide a link to many generations.
He has served alongside ‘Checker’ Hughes, Ron Barassi and Club Secretary Jim Cardwell, and was fortunate before retirement that much of his employment was with Club connected people, ranging from MCC identities such as John Mitchell and Reg Geary through to legendary playing figure, Greg Wells.
‘I knew most of the ex-players, and Jim Cardwell had me running around with him.’
Fiercely loyal, Arthur’s half century of connection to Melbourne was preceded by time spent in the outback, where his favourite companion was a book of ‘Banjo’ Paterson’s poems, and ‘the only communication was when you came into a town.’
The MCG on a match day is far removed from the serenity of the ‘sunlit plains extended’, but Arthur, a constant as the game unfolds, is a splendid part of the vision that is the Melbourne Football Club in full flight.
The sentiments expressed by Arthur were echoed by Gary Marchant, delighted by his role, and by the ‘nice and unexpected’ recognition of himself as volunteer coordinator, statistician, and a figure around the Club who ‘crosses so many different areas’.
A strong advocate of interstate supporter groups, and a believer in the power of working with people to ‘make a difference’, Gary can trace his involvement at the Club back to the start of the 1980s, and has treasured the chance to be at the heart of Melbourne ever since.
As with Arthur, Gary was surrounded by people wishing to congratulate him, and pointed to the fact that ‘people get to know you over the years’ as one of the highlights of being involved.
Through good and bad times alike, bonds have been forged, and the awards presented to these two special characters are a significant part of recognising the important role played by loyal volunteers over many seasons.
