Dear members and fans,
Wherever you may be, I hope you and your loved ones are keeping well.
It gives me tremendous joy to inform you of the Essendon Football Club’s formal launch of our 150-year anniversary celebrations.
Our club was formed from humble, blue-collar beginnings in 1872. Our very first home ground was McCracken’s paddock, so-called because the land was owned by club President Robert McCracken and the ground adjoined his home in Kent Street, Ascot Vale.
Fast-forward 150 years and we are in a truly world-class training and administration facility at the NEC Hangar in Tullamarine. Next year, we'll acknowledge the foundations of our rich heritage, and the people and powerful stories that make the Essendon Football Club the equal-most successful team in VFL/AFL history.
Our members and supporters are encouraged to visit essendonfc.com.au at 10am AEST on Friday to watch the 150-year anniversary launch. Hosted by Sarah Jones, Fox Footy host and granddaughter of our beloved club champion Jack, the panel – including the great Kevin Sheedy – will reflect on some of our club’s greatest triumphs and tragedies as we launch the celebrations into our anniversary year.
Look out for the unveiling of our new commemorative logo which cleverly encompasses elements of all the club’s previous logos throughout our history, as well as a sneak peek into the club’s landmark eight-part documentary series The Bombers: Stories of a Great Club and new commemorative book The Red & Black Collection.
Essendon Football Club is inherently committed to celebrating its incredible legacy in the VFL/AFL competition across 150 years, and we invite our loyal and passionate members and supporters to join us in the festivities into 2022.
Due to the Victorian restrictions and ongoing pandemic, next week we will crown the best and fairest winner at the Crichton Medal event, again in a virtual format. Pleasingly, our members and supporters will have the opportunity to join the prestigious count. As is the world we are living in at the moment, conveniently you may even be able to watch in your pyjamas at home! Further details about the evening will be communicated over the coming days.
2022 will really be a year to remember as we celebrate this very proud football club, and we look forward to you joining us in the many celebrations, kicking off with the 150-year anniversary launch tomorrow.
Thank you for your continued support of the red and black.
Paul Brasher
President
