In his 55 years as a supporter of the club, Mr McDonald has collected more than a hundred newspaper clippings, team photographs, official programmes and newsletters.

The Belmont club's history is well documented by Mr McDonald's memorabilia, from its first premiership win in its 1947 establishment year to its long-awaited comeback in 1974.

Among Mr McDonald's most prized possessions is a signed sketch of former Australian captain and Newcastle Knights player Paul Harragon, who played for the club in the 1980s.

That decade, Mr McDonald will tell you fondly, was the one in which the club won three back-to-back premierships.

Mr McDonald has not missed a home game in 55 years.

This September he will watch his 50th grand final.

He has never played football, but has always had an interest in the game.

"I live for the game," he said.

"I get a kick out of watching it, especially when [the club] wins."

But he's not just an avid supporter from the sidelines.

Mr McDonald has been selling raffle tickets to raise funds for the club to buy equipment since he joined the committee in 1999.

He had just retired from Newcastle's BHP steelworks. It was something to keep busy.

Asked if he planned on giving up his hobby of collecting club memorabilia any time soon, Mr McDonald said "not in a million years".