Essendon Bombers Tickets

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Essendon Football Club: Frequently Asked Questions

Club history

When was the Essendon Football Club founded, and what are its official colours?

The Essendon Football Club was established in 1872 at "Ailsa," the Ascot Vale residence of local brewery owner Robert McCracken. The club played its inaugural recorded match on June 7, 1873, defeating Carlton Second Twenty by one goal. Originally competing as a junior member of the Victorian Football Association from 1877, Essendon advanced to senior status the following year.

The club's distinctive colours are black and red, featuring the iconic red sash across a black guernsey. This design wasn't original, as players initially wore navy blue work jerseys like many clubs of that era. The red sash was introduced around 1875 to distinguish players from opponents wearing similar blue uniforms, and the black jumper with red sash became the official uniform around 1890.

How many premierships has Essendon won, and when was their most recent victory?

Essendon stands among Australian football's most successful clubs with 16 VFL/AFL premierships, sharing this record with Carlton and Collingwood. The club's championship history spans from the inaugural VFL premiership in 1897 to their most recent victory in 2000. Their dominance includes significant periods like the 1940s-1950s under Dick Reynolds' captaincy, the mid-1980s powerhouse teams, and memorable victories with the "Baby Bombers" in 1993.

However, the club hasn't won a premiership since 2000, representing their longest drought in modern times. Their last finals victory occurred in 2004, highlighting the challenging period the club has endured in recent decades.

Legendary players and leadership

Who was Dick Reynolds, and why is he considered Essendon's greatest player?

Dick "King Richard" Reynolds is universally regarded as Essendon's finest player and one of Australian football's greatest rovers. Playing 320 games between 1933-1951, Reynolds achieved extraordinary individual success, becoming one of only four players to win three Brownlow Medals (1934, 1937, 1938). His first victory at age 19 made him the youngest-ever recipient. Reynolds also claimed seven Crichton Medals as club best and fairest.

Beyond statistics, his leadership transformed Essendon's fortunes. Appointed captain-coach at 25 in 1939, he guided the club to four premierships and ten Grand Final appearances. Reynolds epitomised the "Essendon way," supremely talented yet humble, competitive yet fair, boosting teammates through quiet leadership and treating all players equally regardless of background.

What made John Coleman legendary despite his brief career?

John Coleman revolutionised full-forward play during his explosive but tragically short career from 1949-1954. In just 98 games, he kicked 537 goals at an astonishing average of 5.48 per game, the second-highest in VFL/AFL history. Coleman's debut remains unmatched: 12 goals in his first game, becoming the first player to kick 100 goals in a debut season.

Beyond prolific scoring, Coleman was pure spectacle, drawing crowds with his lightning speed and spectacular high-flying marks over packs of defenders. His career ended prematurely at 25 due to a severe knee injury in 1954, freezing him in time at his absolute peak. This tragic conclusion enhanced his legend, leading to the AFL's leading goalkicker award being named the Coleman Medal in his honour in 1981.

Current leadership and venues

Who currently leads Essendon as coach and captain?

Brad Scott serves as senior coach, appointed before the 2023 season after previously coaching North Melbourne for a decade. His appointment aimed to provide stability following years of coaching volatility since Kevin Sheedy's departure in 2007. Zach Merrett captains the team, appointed in 2023 with Andrew McGrath as vice-captain. Merrett, a multiple Crichton Medal winner and All-Australian midfielder, represents both elite performance and crucial continuity, having remained with the club through the supplements saga fallout.

Where does Essendon play its home games?

Essendon currently splits home games between Marvel Stadium and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This arrangement represents the latest chapter in the club's venue evolution. Originally based at East Melbourne Cricket Ground (1881-1921), the club moved to Windy Hill in 1922, which became their spiritual home for 70 years. Professional sport's demands necessitated moves to larger venues, primarily the MCG after 1991, then co-tenancy at 

Docklands Stadium (now Marvel Stadium) from 2000 with a 25-year agreement. While embracing modern facilities, the club maintains connections to Windy Hill, which still hosts VFL reserves matches and served as headquarters until 2013. Their current training and administrative base, "The Hangar," operates from Melbourne Airport.

Major rivalries and special fixtures

What makes the Anzac Day clash so significant?

The Anzac Day clash between Essendon and Collingwood, played annually on April 25 at the MCG since 1995, transcends regular football to become a major national commemorative event. Conceived by then-coach Kevin Sheedy, the inaugural match was an instant classic, ending in a dramatic draw before 94,825 spectators.

The fixture honours Australian and New Zealand Army Corps members through moving pre-game ceremonies, including the Ode of Remembrance, a moment of silence, and Last Post. The best player receives the Anzac Day Medal for exemplifying Anzac spirit through courage, skill, and self-sacrifice. Regularly attracting crowds exceeding 90,000, it has evolved into one of the AFL's most prestigious and emotionally charged fixtures.

What is "Dreamtime at the 'G" and why is it important?

"Dreamtime at the 'G" is Essendon's annual marquee match against Richmond at the MCG during Sir Doug Nicholls Round, celebrating Indigenous culture and contributions to football. Established in 2005, it regularly attracts over 80,000 spectators and has become a significant cultural event beyond sport. The fixture is preceded by "The Long Walk," inspired by Essendon champion Michael Long's famous 2004 walk from Melbourne to Canberra to raise awareness of Indigenous issues.

Thousands now participate in the annual walk from Federation Square to the MCG, symbolising reconciliation and support. The best player receives the Yiooken Trophy, adding prestige to this celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' vital role in Australian football and society.

Attending games FAQ

What is the best way to buy Essendon Bombers tickets?

Non-members can find all Essendon tickets at the top of this page! Queen of Tickets is your go-to source for all AFL tickets, regularly offering the best seats at the best prices. Ticket categories include General Admission (most affordable unreserved seating), Reserved Seating (guaranteed specific seats), and Premium/Corporate packages.

What is the best way to travel to Essendon's home venues?

Public transport is strongly recommended over driving due to limited, expensive parking and traffic delays. For Marvel Stadium, Southern Cross Station provides direct access via Bourke Street footbridge, with multiple tram routes (30, 35, 70, 75, 86) serving the area. The MCG is accessible from Jolimont and Richmond stations within 5-10 minutes' walk, with tram routes 75 and 48 on Flinders Street/Wellington Parade.

Bus route 246 serves the MCG via Punt Road. Port Phillip Ferries from Geelong/Portarlington berth directly opposite Marvel Stadium. While some parking spaces exist at both venues, they require advance booking and carry significant costs. Public transport offers convenience and reliability, and avoids game day traffic congestion that can severely impact travel times for those attempting to drive.