Mercy Village resident Freda Jennings received one of the best birthday presents of her 94 years today with a visit to the West Coast Eagles to meet captain Darren Glass and coach John Worsfold.

It was fellow resident of Mercy Village in Wembley, Barry Blaikie, who organised for Freda to visit her lifelong football heroes for her 94th birthday.

Freda was delighted to meet Darren Glass and talk to John Worsfold before also being able to shake hands with Brent Staker.  Freda’s friend Barry, who was also accompanied by his wife Betty, made a comment to Staker that Freda will not wash her hand for weeks!

Freda spent her years growing up in Floreat before retiring at Mercy Village and has been attending games at Subiaco Oval for 50 years. She is an avid Eagles supporter and remembers when the Eagles were new on the scene.

“I remember the very first Eagles game and I have been coming to every home fixture ever since,” said Freda.

Captain Darren Glass was only too happy to come out and meet some of his club’s most passionate supporters.

“It’s great to be able to meet the people behind the club because it’s really these supporters who are the backbone of the organisation,” said Glass.

Barry says that there is a difference between supporters and followers and he is proud to say that he, his wife and their friend Freda are undying supporters.

“Supporters are those who are there for the team when they win, but more importantly when they lose. Followers are only around when the team is on top and tend to follow the hype of the team,” said Barry.

Freda, Barry and Betty were then escorted to Subiaco Oval where the trio were able to watch the West Coast Eagles team train during their morning skills session.