On Wednesday morning, two Bombers fans in Ethan and Amelia were lucky enough to be a part of the Club’s lifestyle shoot promoting new merchandise with players and staff.

The diehard Dons supporters had the opportunity to model new PUMA and Mitchell & Ness ranges alongside Nick Bryan, Sam Durham, Ben Hobbs, Bonnie Toogood and Sophie Van De Heuvel in an exciting day at Angler’s Tavern in Essendon.

As part of the Bombers’ Member Week initiative, essendonfc.com.au chatted with Ethan and Amelia following the day for some insights into their love of the Club and what makes Essendon special to them.

EFC: What does it mean to you to be a member of this Club?

Ethan: To me, it’s all about riding the highs and lows alongside a loyal, passionate community. It’s about pride, belief, and our tradition, no matter the scoreboard.

Amelia: Being an Essendon member is always about supporting the Club through thick and thin. It’s about believing in our people and never doubting them.

EFC: How did you first become a Bombers fan?

Ethan: It started with my grandpa, he actually saw John Coleman play in Moorooduc before he went to Essendon, where he’d be kicking 10-plus (goals) frequently.

He followed him to the club, passed that love to my dad, and now to me.

Amelia: I’ve been an Essendon fan from the moment I came out of the womb.

Growing up, my dad always made sure I went for Essendon and no one else. In a way, he brainwashed me to believe that we’re the only team.

I feel proud to follow my family tradition of going for the mighty Dons.

EFC: What’s the most memorable Essendon game you’ve been to? 

Ethan: It’s down to two for me.

Round 17, 2019 vs North - Tippa’s match-winner was right in front of me - or Dreamtime at the ‘G in 2023.

Beating Richmond for the first time in nearly a decade was unreal, especially as we stole the game at the end, felt like I was about to shed a tear of joy for the first time.

Amelia: The most memorable Essendon game I’ve been to was the 2023 Dreamtime game.

It was my first ever Dreamtime game and to see the boys win made me beyond happy. Sam Durham’s match winning goal made it a game I’ll cherish forever.

EFC: Who’s your favourite Essendon player and why?

Ethan: It’d have to be ‘Perko’ (Archie Perkins).

He’s exciting to watch, plays with confidence and still has so much upside to his game.

Amelia: My favourite player would have to be Matt Guelfi.

He’s my favourite player because when I met him, he was so sweet and wanted to have a conversation straight away. I love how nice he is to everyone.

EFC: What is it about our Club that makes you most proud?

Ethan: The fact that we’ve stuck strong through everything on and off the field.

Our members have stayed loyal through it all – that’s what makes me proud.

Amelia: What makes me the proudest about our Club would have to be the history and the fans.

With what we’ve been through, the fans make me very proud as we always stick together and are always there to cheer loud at the games.

Overall, I will always be proud to be an Essendon supporter, no matter what we’re going through.

To culminate Member Week, all members are welcomed to the NEC Hangar on Wednesday, April 9 to watch Open Training and enjoy additional special offers.

This is a great opportunity to get around the boys and see them in action before they head to Gather Round to take on Melbourne in round five.