AFL Yarra Ranges: Yarra Junction waterboy Andy Bairstow receives premiership medal after Eagles’ grand final win

VETERAN waterboy Andy Bairstow was the toast of the Yarra Junction Foothall Club after he was called onto stage to receive a premiership medallion following the club’s grand final win.

ANDY Bairstow had been waiting for this day for his whole life — the moment he could celebrate a Yarra Junction Football Club premiership.

Andy was born with Down syndrome and has served as the Eagles’ water boy for the best part of 20 years.

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It was fitting that he was the first called onto the dais to collect a premiership medallion after Yarra Junction ended a 28-year wait for grand final glory.

The moment was filmed by AFL Yarra Ranges, capturing the essence of community football.

Andy jumps into view, fists pumping after the Eagles’ 96-point rout over Seville.

Andy Bairstow interacts with the crowd during the grand final. Picture: Greg Sword

The 35-year-old then jumps in jubilation on the dais, again pumping his fists to the supporters as Yarra Junction celebrates its first premiership since 1990.

Before leaving the stage, he pauses at the top of the steps and kisses his medal.

Andy’s mother Julie Mitchell was misty-eyed as her son was called on to the stage.

She said Yarra Junction’s 20.17 (137) to 6.5 (41) win ranked as one of the best in Andy’s life.

“I think there was a few tears from a few people and I think just generally having the club win — we had 28 years waiting for this — it was a very special day,” she said.

“It meant a lot to him getting that medal.

“He took it to work and showed it off but he’s very much about the team. He loves them all.

“He has wanted this for a long time for the club to win the big one.”

Mitchell said football was Andy’s social outlet. He also runs the water for AFL Yarra Ranges’ interleague team and is a popular figure when he goes from club to club of a Saturday.

Yarra Junction celebrates its win over Seville. Picture: Robyn Kuys

“He gets on really well with everybody,” she said.

“He just loves being at the club, he hangs out for footy season every year. It can’t come around quick enough.”

Yarra Junction president Tony Aulich said Andy was part of the fabric at the Eagles.

“He just has this infectious personality and everyone loves him,” Aulich said.

“He’s a much-loved personality around Yarra Junction and he’s loved, just about more than anything, for his honesty and the fact he is very generous and very genuine.

“I don’t think Andy would have an enemy in the world. He embraces everyone as a friend and he does everything he can to help people.”

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