Never before in Australian sport has a club’s story been told so comprehensively or so openly.
Screening from Tuesday on Fox Footy and Kayo over a four-week period, The Bombers: Stories of a Great Club is an eight-part documentary series that was commissioned for the Bombers' 150-year celebrations in 2022.
Production for the landmark series began in late 2019, with the broad-ranging tale completed despite the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions.
The Bombers appeals to all sports fans, peeling back the triumphs and turbulent times, successes and failures, defining moments and disasters that beset even the greatest of clubs.
This sweeping story shows how a suburban club evolved into an Australia-wide sporting brand. Along the way, the viewer is taken inside each of the eras, from the 19th century through to preparations for the 2022 AFL season.
Viewers get ringside seats at the great battles that have been staged over the past 150 years.
The first episode features the gentlemanly era of Dick Reynolds and Bill Hutchison, and how they built a club on good manners and respect.
The second episode encapsulates the heart-rending tale of one of the game’s greatest stars, the mercurial John Coleman.
In episode three, we learn how Geoff Blethyn was plucked from high school and told on the Friday night before the big game that he would be playing in the 1968 Grand Final.
Episodes four, five and six are dedicated to the events and personalities of the Kevin Sheedy era, while episode seven includes a revealing insight into the effects of the club’s supplements saga.
More than 90 players, coaches, officials, supporters and icons from Essendon and rival clubs have been interviewed for this series, giving their answers without fear or favour.
At no stage has the club interfered in the production of this series, even when episodes dealt with the most sensitive of topics.
Below you can find all the information to watch this unmissable series.
DOCUSERIES SCHEDULE
The Bombers: Stories Of A Great Club will be available to watch on Fox Footy and Kayo.
- Episodes 1 & 2 – Oct 19, 7:30pm and 8pm AEDT
- Episodes 3 & 4 – Oct 26, 7:30pm and 8pm AEDT
- Episodes 5 & 6 – Nov 2, 7:30pm and 8pm AEDT
- Episodes 7 & 8 – Nov 9, 7:30pm and 8pm AEDT
EXCLUSIVE KAYO OFFER FOR MEMBERS
Essendon club members will have this week received an email with a one-month Kayo voucher (new and returning Kayo subscribers) to watch the month-long release of the docuseries. If you have any questions regarding your membership and access to this offer, please contact member services on (03) 8340 2000 or email membership@essendonfc.com.au.
