This moment is the 14th 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.
On Saturday May 18, 1974, reigning premier Richmond, one of the fiercest teams in the VFL, travelled to Windy Hill, a venue historically problematic for visiting sides. The Tigers led by 10 points as the siren sounded for half-time, then, as players made their way towards their respective dressing rooms, Essendon runner Laurie Ashley and Richmond hard-man Mal Brown started a verbal battle which stemmed from an earlier, rather unsavoury, incident between Brown and Essendon’s ruckman, Graeme Jenkin. Suddenly, Bomber John Cassin, who had been on the bench, joined the fray and all hell broke loose.
Ken Fletcher recalled, “I was trying to get Paul Sproule, a former Bomber, but I couldn’t hit him from behind. Then, I looked over as Brian ‘Whale’ Roberts stuck his head up and Ronnie Andrews gave him an upper cut, then he just walked off and no one saw it. It was chaos all around, and it was on for young and old.”
Kevin Sheedy, then playing for Richmond, recalled “it was dangerous out there that day, a lot of great names were in that brawl - guys like Tiger secretary Graeme Richmond, future Essendon president Greg Sewell, and future chairman of the AFL Tribunal Neil Busse.”
At one point, Brown was struck by a local supporter, such was the rising animosity inside the stadium. It was akin to spectators baying for blood in Rome’s Colosseum.
When it was over and the players reached the safety of the dressing rooms, Neville Fields recalled it was “like a hospital ward” in the home rooms.
“There was blood everywhere," Fields said.
Fitness trainer Jim Bradley had a broken jaw courtesy of Graeme Richmond, while many others were nursing cuts and bruises, yet there was still a half left to play. When the teams reappeared, Essendon took it right up to its more fancied opponent but fell 10 points short - 15.15 (105) to 16.19 (115).
In the aftermath, Inside Football called it “a scar on the game” and “a black day in the history of VFL football.” There were seven players and officials charged by the League, with five receiving suspensions: Ashley, who copped the blame for starting the ugly affair, received six weeks, as did Bradley and Andrews. Cassin was found not guilty. For Richmond, Brown received one week and Stephen Parsons copped four, while Graeme Richmond was disqualified for the season and fined $2000, although the fine was later rescinded by the VFL.
Emerging Bombers ruckman Simon Madden was watching from the stands on that now infamous day. He remembers thinking, “And they want me to play this game? No thanks!”
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)
