BATES, Jimmy

Jimmy Bates was a nippy wingman who came from Nathalia and played one game in early 1933.

He had been cleared from Nathalia to Essendon and spent three years with the Seconds before playing his first game which was on the wing in a home game against St Kilda in Round 2. He had taken the place of Tommy Clarke who had influenza.

Bates had one kick in the game and says he was paid three pounds. So disgusted was he with his performance he retired immediately after the game to concentrate on his first love, professional running. He won the Keilor Gift in 1939.

He made use of his running ability by becoming a boundary umpire in 1941. He officiated in 15 games before enlisting in the 2nd AIF in 1942. He contracted malaria while serving in New Guinea and was hospitalised on his return. He was discharged from the AIF in 1944.

In March 2001, Jimmy Bates became the oldest living Essendon player. When he died on 6 October 2009, aged 99 and 3 months, he was League football’s oldest player.