History - Antonio 'Ning' Riconi

Antonio 'Ning' Riconi played for Old Easts from 1914 to 1921 but his devotion to the club continued long after his playing days were over. In fact, until his death in 1989 aged 96, he could be relied upon to be in his special place in the Member's Stand at East Fremantle Oval watching his beloved Sharks.

'Ning' was a speedy little rover who played in a winning Grand Final in his first year and again in 1918, being thought ny many to have been best on ground that day.

During 'Ning's' playing career, Old Easts played off for the Premiership every year, bar 1915, and 'Ning' played in all these Grand Finals. His playing days came to an abrupt halt when he lost the sight in his right eye after being struck by an opponent's elbow.

So began his days as a loyal supporter and estimates put the number of Old Easts/ Sharks games he watched to something around the 1000 mark. Week in and week out, at home and away games, 'Ning' would be found with cushions, thermos and sandwich lunch, barracking for his team.

His wife Nettie once said "Football is his life, it's all he thinks of."

Being blind in one eye led to the obvious nickname, "the One-Eyed Old Shark".

Like the true clubman that he was 'Ning' would attend a wide variety of club functions, showing his support for the team and the current players.

When asked about the possibility of his attendances being something of a record 'Ning's' response was, "It has just been something I've always done. They're a great team and a great club-always have been."

'Ning' was honoured with Life Membership in 1947.

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