Premiership players James Hird (Essendon, 1993 and 2000), Chris Heffernan (Essendon, 2000), Scott Camporeale (Carlton, 1995) and long-time Bomber Mark Bolton were honoured tonight at the 2007 Crichton Medal count having announced their retirement.

The 1,500 strong crowd at Crown Palladium gave the men a welcome reception, thanking them for their contribution to the Essendon Football Club.
 
Hird, 34, won the 1996 Brownlow Medal (tied with Michael Voss) and 2000 Norm Smith Medal and retires after 253 games with the Bombers.
 

He made his AFL and Essendon debut in 1992 and kicked 343 goals. In 2002, he was voted third in the top 25 all time Essendon players

 
Speaking at the count, Hird said it's the experiences you get at the Club that he has most cherished.
 
""It's the guys, it's the coaches, it's the footy trips, it's the close games that make it so special. To the young guys, if you give your heart and soul to the Club and give it the respect it deserves, it will give you the rewards and memories for life.""
 
Heffernan, 28, made his debut for Essendon in 1997 and played 170 games of AFL football (123 for the Bombers and 47 for Melbourne), kicked 56 goals and represented Australia in the 2000 International Rules Series against Ireland.
 
""I was so lucky to go to Essendon, I could have gone to any Club that might not have supported its players as well. I want to pay tribute to the trainers because they are the life-blood of the Club,"" Heffernan said.
 
Camporeale, 32, made his AFL debut for Carlton in 1995 and made his Essendon debut in 2006.
 
He played 252 games including 19 with the Bombers, was Carlton Best and Fairest (equal) and an All-Australian in 2000, played in the 1998 and 1999 International Rules Series and represented South Australia in the State of Origin.
 
""I had admired Essendon when I was playing for Carlton and it was my first choice to go to when I needed a change. Thankyou for letting me come to this Club and thanks to all the players for making me welcome,"" Camporeale said.
  
Bolton, 28, is recognised as one of Essendon’s most popular players and hardest workers.
 
He made his debut for Essendon in 1998 after being selected with pick 4 in the 1997 draft and played 124 games and kicked 50 goals.
 
""I have a heavy heart but no regrets, it has been a rollercoaster. Just the emotions you feel from one day to the next. That's what makes it the hardest but most rewarding thing and I want to say a special thanks to the supporters,"" Bolton said.