Between 1891 and 1894, Essendon won four Victorian Football Association (VFA) premierships, a record equalled only once, by Collingwood (VFL, 1927-30).
Of Essendon’s 95 matches in that remarkable four-year period, the 'Same Olds' the nickname given to the team by a group of Essendon supporters from the 1880s, who affectionately referred to their team in song as “the same old Essendon” - won 84 times, drew eight and lost just three. They kicked a staggering 718 goals, conceded only 305, and, at their peak, went 781 days and 57 matches without a defeat, in what was a total domination of the competition.
They were, simply invincible.
The 'Invincibles' were led by a man thought by many to have been the finest leader of the pre-VFL era, and perhaps of any era - Alexander Elphinstone ‘Alick’ Dick. The cool, composed Dick was supported by a string of champions including goalkicking sensation Albert Thurgood, Charles ‘Tracker’ Forbes, Bill Crebbin, Ned Officer, Alex ‘Joker’ Hall and Gus Kearney, among others.
Thurgood, in particular, quickly captured the imagination of the football public, where his spectacular goal-scoring feats drew large attendances to Essendon’s home ground, the East Melbourne Cricket Ground. He was labelled 'The True', such was his reliability in front of goal, winning the Association goalkicking award in each of his first three seasons (1892-94).
Although Thurgood was undoubtedly the star of the side - numerous times, he won the game off his own boot - it was the team’s style of play that set them apart. Essendon was the first club to utilise specialist players in each position on the field. This was made possible due to Dick, who in an era before coaches became commonplace, acted as the captain and the coach, having at his disposal the finest goal-to-goal line in VFA history: Officer, Dick himself, Crebbin, Thurgood, Hall and Forbes. There were also fast, attacking defenders, clever wingmen, forwards with uncanny goal sense and brilliant rovers.
Only club legends Dick Reynolds and Kevin Sheedy have equalled Dick’s feat of winning four premierships as a captain or coach at Essendon. But it was Dick’s men, having lifted Essendon from a middle-of-the-road club in its early years to one known to strive for and expect success, who ultimately established winning foundations from which the club has never looked back.
This moment is the first of a virtual series presenting the Bombers' best 30 moments over 150 years, which fans can vote on for their chance to win prizes. Click here to view and vote, and see the schedule and prizes below.
SCHEDULE OF MOMENTS
Round 1 (May 6-9) - 1872-1939
Round 2 (May 10-14) - 1940-1959
Round 3 (May 15-19) - 1960-1979
Round 4 (May 20-24) - 1980-1989
Round 5 (May 25-29) - 1990-1999
Round 6 (May 30 - June 3) - 2000-2021
Round 7 (June 4-9) - Finals round
PRIZES
Round 1 – One 2022 merchandise pack, including an Essendon New Era Black on Black 9FORTY Snapback cap ($40) and an Essendon Heritage Bar Scarf ($30)
Round 2 – One Essendon Fibre of Football Scarf ($80)
Round 3 - One Essendon Football Club 150-year anniversary commemorative mosaic ($295)
Round 4 – One Essendon Football Club 150-year anniversary commemorative mosaic ($295)
Round 5 – One 2022 team-signed guernsey ($500)
Round 6 – One copy of the Red & Black Collection special 150th anniversary book ($329)
Round 7 – One copy of the Red & Black Collection special 150th anniversary book ($329) and one 2022 team-signed guernsey ($500)
