Winston Hills’ Connor Fitzpatrick and Toongabbie’s Jack Dawson were not alive when the Eels last won a premiership. Both born around the time of the 2001 Grand Final, they symbolize a generation of fans who, while old enough to vote and drink alcohol, have never seen their team win the competition.
Alan Dawson, Jack’s father, and Bronwyn Hay of Cammeray come from an earlier generation. They were children when the Eels took the victory lap in 1986, have only fleeting memories of those glory days, and have lived through the heartbreaks of 2001 and 2009. All four discuss how family played a crucial role in their devotion and in maintaining their affection for the Eels.
Jack: “I’m mainly an Eels fan because of my father; he got me into it when I was a kid, and since then I’ve felt a strong connection to the club, and I love rugby league.” My first memories are of Dad taking me to the old stadium, where we were members for a spell. I remember Nathan Hindmarsh’s days as my favorites. For about six years, we sat in the same seats and went to most games with my uncle and cousin, regardless of the outcome. Dad took me to a few away games as well, including Cronulla and Leichhardt.”
Connor: “Growing up in the Hills, it was a very Parramatta-dominated environment
Following the family as well. My oldest and greatest recollections are of the 2009 season, that incredible run, with everyone at school doing the Hayne Plane.
Al: “My father and his family are Parra followers, so once you are born, you simply become a Parra supporter, just like Jack was when he was born; it is in your blood. Dad took me to Cumberland Oval a few times, and I remember going to the SCG to see them play the Roosters, but the most vivid recollections are from when we made the Grand Final. We never went to the Grand Finals; instead, we had a custom of having the entire family around for a BBQ, with dad’s friends joining us, and the kids playing backyard footy until the game came on television. I recall if Parramatta won, dad and his friends would head off to the albion hotel and we wouldn’t see them till the next day. they were good times
