The Essendon Football Club is proud to announce that former teammates John Birt and Barry Capuano will be upgraded to Legend status in the club’s Hall of Fame for 2023.

Birt, who was initially inducted to the EFC HOF in 2010, is a three-time Crichton Medallist and a dual-premiership player from the storied 1962 and 1965 Essendon sides.

Across his 193-game career in the red and black, Birt kicked 303 goals and established himself as a star of the competition, representing Victoria on 11 occasions throughout his tenure in the VFL.

Birt coached the Bombers for a season in 1971 and would later hold administrative positions at Collingwood and Fitzroy to continue his involvement in the game.

He has also spent many years as part of the AFL Premiership Players Committee.

Capuano served the Dons 118 times from 1959-1966, twice representing Victoria and playing a vital role in the Bombers’ 1962 premiership alongside Birt, finishing as one of the best on the ground.

Capuano continued his strong affiliation with the club by serving on the EFC Committee between 1973 and 1975, as well as holding the role of General Manager at the club between 1981 and 1988.

In 2000, Capuano was awarded an Australian Sports Medal on the recommendation of the club and has served on the EFC HOF Selection Committee since 2009.

Capuano was inducted into the EFC HOF in 2014 and has been a Trustee of the EFC Past Players Foundation Trust since 2004.

Both men have made immense contributions to the football club and are fully deserving of being upgraded to Legend status.

Ticketing information for our upcoming HOF + 1993 Premiership Reunion event can be found here.