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 history of the Essendon Football Club.

Simon Madden was one of the finest ruckmen of his time.  During a career that spanned 378 games, Madden was highly regarded for his tap work and his ability to cover the ground.  He was also a threat up forward, booting 575 goals.

Madden was awarded the Norm Smith Medal in the 1985 Grand Final.  The big man collected 22 disposals and had 22 hit outs, as the club secured its second straight flag.

Madden is a four-time Crichton Medal winner, three-time Essendon leading goal kicker and was named All-Australian on three occasions.  He was also runner up in the Brownlow Medal in 1988.

Since retirement, Madden has been named in Essendon’s ‘Team of the Century’ in the ruck position, as well as being ranked number five on the ‘Champions of Essendon’ list in 2002.