The AFL Fans Association has awarded the Supporter Group of the Year to the Essendon Cheer Squad.
The Bombers shared the honour with the Adelaide Crows.
The Cheer Squad is made up of 100 passionate supporters who were a beacon of resilience and enthusiasm throughout the 2016 season.
Head of the Cheer Squad Glenda Wade said the award came as a pleasant surprise.
“It has been a tough year for all but the Cheer Squad has been amazing in their unwavering and passionate support of the team and the club,” Wade said.
“Early in the season I said that no matter what happens this year we cheer the boys off at the end of the game and to the Cheer Squad members credit they did.
“I would like to thank and congratulate all Cheer Squad members for their fantastic support of the team this year.”
Essendon Chief Executive Xavier Campbell said the award is fitting recognition of the unwavering support the fans have given the Club, particularly in recent seasons.
“We’re incredibly proud of the Cheer Squad and the contribution they make to the Club,” he said.
“They give up a lot of time and turn up and cheer every week no matter what the circumstances.
“I know the players and coaches are immensely grateful for the support they receive.
“The passion and strength of the fans is one of the key reasons we are emerging from the challenges of the last four years with an exciting future to look forward to.”
Chants of ‘We are Essendon’ regularly rang out around venues throughout the season regardless of the scoreline.
In Essendon’s round eight match against North Melbourne, the Bombers players received a rousing reception as they left the field despite the 14 point loss.
The show of support from the fans made an impression on Coach John Worsfold.
"The overriding emotion from that is the reception the players received from the fans post-game, and I assume probably throughout the last quarter. [It] was not applauding a loss, but applauding the future of where these players are showing they want to take the club," he said after the game.
"That was pretty exciting to be part of today.
"The Essendon fans were unbelievable. They stood up and applauded something they can see is building to become very special. It's going to take us a while for us to get it where we want it to, but I've got no doubt today people are saying … it's a pretty exciting group."
