Club champ sets sights on recovery

by Mickyj Thu Aug 19, 2010 9:34 am

Club champ sets sights on recovery
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/club-champ-sets-sights-on-recovery/story-fn525un5-1225907138627
CHAMPION West Torrens ruck rover Fred Bills is recovering from surgery after a life-threatening staph infection.

Bills, who played 313 games for West Torrens and seven state games from 1959 to 1975, was admitted to hospital last month after suffering pain in his right hip.

He has been on life support but is now recuperating and awaiting a hip replacement.

Several of the 68-year-old's former Eagles and state teammates, including Russell Ebert, Neil Kerley and Ian Wallace, have visited him in hospital in recent weeks.

Bills' wife of 45 years, Di, said she was thankful for the support.

"A lot of people out there had heard he wasn't well and were ringing to see how he was, which has been nice," she said.

"But he's still got a long way to go."

Woodville West-Torrens CEO Chris Davies said the Grange couple had been fixtures at the club. "He was a magnificent player for us and is still a wonderful supporter and has been missed."