Right: Andy Bairstow listens to coach Luke Quick’s address with his team-mates.By Melissa Donchi
TWENTY-four-year old Andrew Bairstow kicked six important goals for the Yarra Junction Eagles Second Division Reserves recently in a true return to form.
Andy, as he is known by his friends and family, hadn’t played a game of footy since he was 12 years old, after he was forced to hang up his boots due to his severe Downs syndrome.
But after being coerced back into the game it was like he had never left, with Andy leading the team to a 37.22.244 victory against Powelltown, which scored only 1.4.10.
His mother Julie said it was heartening to see both teams give Andy a chance.
“He hasn’t played since junior football because he had to give it away once he reached a certain age,” she said.
“It was really lovely to see both teams contributing to him kicking six goals.”
Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe also praised Andy in Parliament, describing his performance as inspiring.
“After not having played competitive football for some years, the call came out last Saturday for Andy to pull on the boots,” she said.
“Yarra Junction was pitted against long-standing arch rival Powelltown, and the team was short of players.
“Like a true clubman, Andy did not hesitate and responded to the call-up in superb fashion.”
