President Barry Capuano once again hosted another great Past Players & Officials Association Annual Dinner at the Windy Hill Social Club in the week preceding this year’s Grand Final.  Over 160 members and invited guests attended the function which was brilliantly hosted by Terry Daniher for the second year in succession.  Terry kept the full program running pretty much on time and his interviews with some members of both the 1965 and 1985 Premiership teams were a real highlight.  The theme of this year’s Annual Dinner was to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the 1965 flag and the 30^th Anniversary of the 1985 flag and many members from both teams were in attendance.

It was great to see EFC CEO Xavier Campbell and GM Football Operations Rob Kerr along with EFC Board members Paul Brasher, Paul Cousins, Catherine Lio, Lindsay Tanner and of course Simon Madden at this year’s dinner.  A number of officials from other AFL Past Player Associations also attended.

Two Debut Guernsey presentations were made on the night.  Graeme Schultz presented Russell Ellen who had travelled from West Australia with his Debut Jumper and Mark Bolton presented Sean Wellman with his Debut Guernsey.  Both presenters and recipients made entertaining speeches and managed not to give away too many secrets about each other. 

A real feature of the night was to see so many from the 2000 era at this year’s function.   Attendees included Jason Johnston, Ben Doolan (over from WA), Joel Reynolds, Adam Ramanaukus. Sean Wellman, Mark McVeigh (down from Sydney), Steven Alessio, Dustin Fletcher, Mark Bolton and Scott Lucas.   Rumour has it that this group were by far the last to depart the premises.

Brownlow medallist Graham Moss was also over from WA this year and had a great night catching up with his mates from the ‘70s in particular.  Also attending was Fred Gallagher (1952-1958) who, as he does every year, travelled down from Queensland.

Comedian Paul Martell had a very hard act to follow in Terry Daniher but nevertheless did an outstanding job keeping everyone highly entertained for almost 30 minutes.

A “Certificate of Outstanding Service” was presented to the recently retired Dustin Fletcher who was attending the function for the first time.

This event continues to grow year by year and is a real highlight.  It’s readily apparent to all present  just how strong  the bonds are that have been built up over the years and clearly demonstrates  the strength of this part of the EFC.   The Association has over 350 members across Australia. 

For more information on the Essendon Past Players and Officials Association click here.