As part of the 30^th anniversary of the 1984/1985 premierships, essendonfc.com.au are privileged to release a series of reflective profiles showcasing the players who featured in those back-to-back flags – a period that remains one of the high points in the 142-year history of the Essendon Football Club.

Frank Dunell became a member of the 1984 premiership side after being recruited from Queensland in 1979.

Originally joining Essendon as full forward, Dunell eventually moved to the wing before reaching the peak of his powers in a forward pocket – the position he played in the ’84 flag.

Dunell played 100 games over eight seasons with the Bombers and kicked 57 goals, before returning home to Brisbane to play with the Bears.

Unfortunately he endured two injury-plagued seasons before retiring at the end of 1988.

Dunell has since taken up coaching at a number of different clubs, including North Old Boys and Old Geelong in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

Frank’s son, Sam, also played AFL after he was recruited as a rookie by St Kilda ahead of the 2012 season.  He was promoted to the senior list in 2013 but was delisted at the end of the 2014 season.