This moment is the 20th 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.
Late in the 1989 season, veteran ruckman Simon Madden set a new record for games played at Essendon, surpassing Dick Reynolds when he played his 321st match against Sydney in round 21 at the SCG. Madden actually celebrated his record-breaking game the previous week against North Melbourne at Windy Hill, where he was chaired from the field to a standing ovation from the adoring home crowd of 15,794. At the time, players were awarded an extra game when they represented their State on the same day that their VFL team played.
The statistical anomaly didn't matter either way, as Madden went on to play 378 games in red and black (1974-92), a remarkable record that stood until 2014 when finally broken by Dustin Fletcher, who the following season became the first Essendon player to reach 400 games.
Madden recalled, “It was a really strange one, because I played one game for Victoria in 1977, in the old era before State of Origin, on the same Saturday when the Essendon team played as well. By playing for your State, you got credited with having played for your state and with representing your club in a game. So, they classed it as a club game, which in actual fact you look back and think it’s rather strange.”
At Windy Hill for what was actually the record-tying game, Reynolds was on the field to greet Madden as he approached the specially made banner in his honour. The grin on the face of ‘King Richard’ showed that he was overjoyed to be present as the champion ruckman and much-loved clubman set a new mark.
Madden said of the occasion, “It was fantastic to break that record, because when you think about it later, the great Dick Reynolds held the record before me. But, at the time, you’re too busy worrying about the game - the record is a secondary thing. But it’s great. When you start talking about me in the same sentence as Dick Reynolds, I was very happy to be mentioned like that. Here’s this great Dick Reynolds, premierships, captained the club, held in awe, called King Richard, and I’m going past his record. Wow. It’s very humbling.”
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)
