This moment is the sixth 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.
After almost two decades in the wilderness, Essendon finally broke through for a famous premiership in 1942 under the inspiring leadership of 27-year-old captain-coach Dick Reynolds.
The Bombers won 12 of 15 home and away matches during 1942 to finish in first position on the ladder. But, when they lost their semi-final clash with Richmond by 22 points, the Bombers’ premiership prospects struck a hurdle.
At half-time of the preliminary final, Essendon trailed South Melbourne by five points and the normally mild-mannered Reynolds, sensing the moment, gave his men a stirring lecture on the importance of lifting their intensity in the third term. Responding to their coach, the Bombers kicked seven goals to one in the third quarter to eventually win by 28 points.
The 1942 Grand Final between Essendon and Richmond was played at Princes Park due to the MCG being occupied by the US Army. Such was the continual threat of war, during the half-time interval, both Reynolds and Richmond’s captain-coach Jack Dyer addressed the 49,000-strong crowd over a loud speaker on the need to support the Austerity Loan.
The Bombers held a narrow two-point lead at quarter-time, then set up their premiership with a six-goal-to-two second term. With another six goals to one in the third quarter the premiership was theirs, eventually winning by 53 points: 19.18 (132) to 11.13 (79). Gordon Lane top-scored with six goals, but it was the dominant Reynolds with four goals who was best on ground.
The Sporting Globe’s Hec de Lacy wrote of Reynolds’ match-winning performance: “Essendon won the 1942 League premiership as easily as ever a Grand Final has been won. In his triumph, greatest credit for his leadership and example on the field goes to Dick Reynolds. On Saturday, whatever the capabilities of his teammates, nothing excelled the educated boots of Reynolds. No matter what his predicament, he still kicked the ball, and kicked it to a teammate in the best position to use it. Then again he set the glowing example of winning a football match by concentrating on the ball.” The Essendon Gazette proudly boasted that Reynolds had “brought fame to Essendon.”
SCHEDULE OF MOMENTS
Round 1 (launching May 6) - 1872-1939
Round 2 (launching May 10) - 1940-1959
Round 3 (launching May 15) - 1960-1979
Round 4 (launching May 20) - 1980-1989
Round 5 (launching May 25) - 1990-1999
Round 6 (launching May 30) - 2000-2021
Round 7 (launching June 4) - 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)
