The Essendon Football Club or the Bombers has been active since over 149 years ago, as it was founded in 1872. The signature colors of the team are red and black. This is one of the most popular teams in Australia, and is paired with Carlton as both teams have won the most VFL or AFL premierships (16 each).
Moreover, the club holds a record that no one has been able to beat as they’ve won four premierships in succession, from 1891 to 1894 (in the VFA).
The club was part of the VFA’s formation, and then became part of the VFL in 1897. As an important fact, Essendon is the only team to have won the premiership during their debut season. They have also won one Championship of Australia, in 1893.
As it was mentioned above, it is believed that the team was formed in 1872. Before the team become a member of the VFL, they maintained and excellent performance as they won four years consecutively, from 1891 to 1894.
The team had an excellent start as they joined the VFL in 1897, having won their first season. Their last game was against Melbourne at the Lake Oval. Four years later, in 1901, Essendon won the premiership again, but then went through ten-year wait.
Following their victory during that year, the team had to wait ten years to win another premiership. However, the win was worth it as the Bombers won the 1911 and 1912 seasons as they defeated Collingwood and South Melbourne in each respective grand final.
This same event happened during the following years, as the team went through a eleven-year drought until 1923 and 1924, years where they won consecutively.
Over the years, the Bombers have proved to be one of the strongest teams in the AFL. Not for anything they have won sixteen premierships over the years, the last one being in the year 2000.
As of now, Essendon has three Legends in the AFL Hall of Fame, including their champion Dick Reynolds.
Moreover, the team has maintained rivalries with four teams, being the most remarkable one the one with Carlton. As both teams are side-to-side with the same premiership record, they’re continually pursuing the leadership for the said record.
Following the controversy and legal problems the club went through in 2013, the team had to deal with some bittersweet seasons, especially in 2016, where they earned their second wooden spoon, the other one being in 1933.
As we’ve said, the Bombers are one of the most remarkable teams in the AFL, regardless of the season. However, the latest years have been hugely disappointing for the team, especially during the 2020 season.
Essendon is currently the top tenth team, with a point percentage of 107.2. The team has lost two games in the previous rounds, and they’re next paired up against Sydney and the Brisbane Lions. The first game will happen on April 8, while the second will take place on April 17, respectively.
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