East Launceston Bowls' Mad Dog to play 900th game

The East Launceston stalwart will be playing his 900^th game on Saturday.

Club president and son Sam Springer said the accomplishment might be the first in the North and possibly the entire state.

"He'd be pretty proud of that ... he's been a member for about 56 years now," Sam said.

"He's got a green named after him as well so he's a bit of a legend at the club ... he's a life member too.

"I can't think of anyone in Launceston anywhere close to 900 games."

The 83-year-old's tenure at the East Launceston Bowls Club has earned him the nickname 'Mad Dog'.

Bill even has an internationally recognised tournament in his name: the Bill Springer Invitational Singles Tournament.

"It's a huge tournament ... we have all these world champions come to it - it's a signature event for the club," Sam said.

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After Saturday, Sam said the next milestone of 1000 games was very much in the reticle for Mad Dog.

"It's pretty special ... he's still going. He's playing every week ... I guess the goal now is to get to 1000 - that'd be a pretty mean feat," Sam said.

"You play 18 games a year, plus finals.

"If he played for the next five seasons and played finals, he'd nearly rack up 1000 ... he'll probably do it in six.

"As Bill says: 'as long as I'm upright and breathing, I'll play'."

East Launceston will play Bridport this Saturday at East Launceston.

"We're proud of him, it's just good to have him around ... he's a stalwart of the club and a guiding influence," Sam said.