The team of 1965 will long be remembered for their feats on Grand Final day.
Essendon were outsiders.
Few gave the Bombers a chance against a St Kilda side boasting Ian Stewart and Darrel Baldock.
“We were the underdogs, I know that for a fact,” 1965 premiership player Hugh Mitchell said.
“We came up against Collingwood in the Preliminary Final – no one gave us a chance – we won that by about six goals.
“Even getting to the Grand Final, St Kilda was strong favourites.”
A crowd of 104,846 was there at the MCG to greet the Bombers as they ran on to the ground.
“We ran down the race, I think I’d run a whole lap of the MCG and it was halfway through the second lap that I actually felt my feet touching the ground,” premiership defender Greg Brown said.
“It was euphoric, unbelievable.”
After an even first half, the Bombers kicked away in the third quarter booting five goals to one.
That quarter was the difference as Essendon eventually got home by 35 points.
“I felt 65’, even though 62’ was a great premiership win, I felt 65’ was more satisfying because we did it the hard way. No one gave us a chance during the finals series. It still sticks in my mind,” Mitchell said.
“They are treasured memories.
“Time has gone bloody quick I can assure you.”
But the contribution of the team of 65’ didn’t end on Grand Final day.
Throughout the 50 years since, numerous members of that team and the players that missed out have provided selfless service to the club.
The team of 65’ produced a club president, three vice presidents, eight committee members, three coaches and three assistant coaches.
Geoff Pryor even went on to become the ‘founding father’ of the AFL Players Association.
Key details:
In total, the team of 65’ has provided more than 200 years service to Essendon after their playing careers.
- The 65’ premiership team played 3,085 games.
- 11 players played more than 150 games for Essendon FC.
President: D. Shaw
Vice Presidents: K. Fraser, D. McKenzie, D. Shaw
Board members: G. Brown, B. Capuano, P. Doran, K. Egan, D. Gerlach, A. Epis, T. Fordham, C. Payne
General Manager: B. Capuano
Team Manager: K. Egan
Senior Coach: J. Birt, J. Clarke, B. Davis
Assistant Coach: B. Davis, K. Fraser, C. Payne
Skills Coach: J. Clarke, B. Davis, A. Epis
Chairman of Selectors: A. Epis, T. Fordham, G. Johnston, D. McKenzie, C. Payne
Senior Club runner: I. Shelton, B. Capuano, A. Epis
Recruiting/Development: R. Blew, H. Mitchell, D. Gross
AFLPA President: G. Pryor
1965 Premiership Team
B: D. Gerlach, G. Brown, C. Payne
HB: B. Davis, I. Shelton, G. Pryor
C: A. Epis, J. Clarke, R. Blew
HF: G. Johnston, K. Fraser (c), G. Gosper
F: B. Sampson, T. Fordham, D. Shaw
R: D. McKenzie, H. Mitchell, J. Birt
I: B. Waite, K. Egan
Coach: J. Coleman
