This moment is the 31st 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.
The Essendon faithful have endured it all throughout the club’s first 150 years of existence. From the early rise from paddock footballers to the most powerful team in the Victorian Football Association, through early premiership success in the Victorian Football League, a recess during World War I, moving from East Melbourne to Essendon in the 1920s, the Depression years and the struggles of World War II, followed by dominant eras under legendary coaches Dick Reynolds and John Coleman, the Kevin Sheedy era which coincided with the VFL morphing into the national AFL competition, another move, this time to the MCG, then to Docklands, through to today where the club is experiencing its longest premiership drought. Indeed, the supporters have been a constant throughout the changing sands.
But what occurred between 2013 and 2016, the so-called 'Supplements Saga', threatened Essendon’s existence and rocked its foundations like never before. With daily headlines of doom and gloom, it was certainly a period that Essendon supporters hope to never see again.
However, through it all, what ultimately emerged was a solidarity among the faithful - players, coaches, support staff, sponsors and supporters - who came together as one to demonstrate their passion and loyalty to the Essendon Football Club. Jobe Watson was captain during that tumultuous period, and was in awe of the support he and the club received from the supporters.
“The loyalty that the fans have displayed during such a trying time goes to show how much the club means to them, and how much their players mean to them," Watson said.
"Whenever you see that kind of loyalty from a fan base, it’s pretty inspiring. I certainly reflect on the fact that we are so lucky at Essendon to have such loyal supporters.”
The unity and passion was there for all to see on Saturday March 25, 2017, when thousands of Essendon supporters marched as one from Federation Square to the MCG before the opening-round match against Hawthorn. At the front of the tsunami of red and black was that most inspiring of leaders, Kevin Sheedy, once again steering supporters towards greener pastures. Sheedy was joined by former champions Paul Salmon, Terry Daniher and Dustin Fletcher. The mood was festive, the excitement evident on the faces of Bomber supporters of all generations. For the first time in four years, this was about the future, not about looking back.
Lifelong Essendon supporter Camille Heckley was among the crowd; her family’s relationship with Essendon dating back to the early 1900s. “There was a special vibe before and during the march,” she explained. “It felt like we were survivors of the dark days, ready to come back into the light. Ready to rally and march as one. To reclaim the MCG, reclaim our place in the competition, to reclaim our name. Indeed, to back our boys. The roar as the boys ran onto the ground was deafening. I doubt anything was going to be able to stop the force that was behind that wave of support. When it was over, it felt like the end of the saga. A win that didn’t begin at 7.20pm that night, but on February 5, 2013. It was a night like no other that I can recall. And, I doubt that there will be another one like it again.”
Buoyed by the unprecedented showing of support, the Bombers stunned the Hawks that night by 25 points, kick-starting a fightback season that ended against Sydney in the elimination final.
There has always been a connectedness between the football club and its people. In the suburban warfare days of the VFL era, supporters would stream up Napier Street, having stepped from a train, a tram or a bus on their way to Windy Hill. Nowadays, they wander across the footbridge to Marvel Stadium and sit under a roof. The aesthetics may have altered in the AFL era, but the passion for the red and black remains as strong as in any previous era.
Although it cannot be predicted with certainty what the future holds, Essendon’s capacity to endure, to always strive for success, should ensure that it will be great again. The club has, throughout its history, been fortunate to develop and attract strong administrative leaders, plus enjoyed substantial financial backing from supporters. Its membership numbers are increasing year on year, suggesting the club will, one day, return to the lofty heights of the early 2000s, when it was the most powerful football club in the land.
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)
