The Essendon Bombers have been a cornerstone of Australian football from their early days in the VFL through their transition into the AFL. Over the decades, numerous teams have contributed to the club’s rich history, and among them are some truly extraordinary players. Here, we delve into the careers and accomplishments of five of the Bombers’ greatest players.
Simon Madden (1974-1992)
Simon Madden is celebrated as one of the best ruckmen in league history. Beginning his VFL career with the Essendon Bombers in 1974, Madden spent 19 years with the club, playing in 378 games and scoring 575 goals. His illustrious career is marked by two VFL premierships (1984, 1985), three All-Australian selections (1983, 1987, 1988), and six VFL Team of the Year awards. Additionally, Madden was Essendon’s leading goal kicker in 1980, 1982, and 1991, and he claimed the club’s Best and Fairest Award four times. Madden’s leadership was evident as he served as captain from 1980 to 1981 and earned a place in the AFL Hall of Fame and Essendon’s Team of the Century.
Bill Hutchison (1942-1957)
Known affectionately as “Hutchy,” Bill Hutchison was a masterful rover who debuted in 1942. Over his 290-game career, he scored 496 goals and captained the Bombers from 1951 to 1957. Hutchison’s remarkable achievements include four premierships (1942, 1946, 1949, 1950) and two Brownlow Medals (1952, 1953). He was named Essendon’s Best and Fairest seven times and was a two-time All-Australian. Hutchison’s legacy is further cemented by his inclusion in the Essendon Team of the Century and the AFL Hall of Fame as a Legend.
James Hird (1992-2007)
James Hird is a name synonymous with Essendon greatness. Making his debut in 1992, Hird’s 253-game career saw him kick 343 goals. His accolades include two premierships (1993, 2000), a Brownlow Medal in 1996, and five All-Australian selections. Hird also won Essendon’s Best and Fairest five times and was the club’s leading goal kicker in 1995 and 1996. Serving as captain from 1998 to 2005, Hird’s leadership on and off the field earned him a place in the AFL Hall of Fame, the Essendon Team of the Century, and the number three spot on the Champions of Essendon list.
John Coleman (1949-1954)
John Coleman is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in VFL/AFL history. Debuting in 1949, Coleman quickly became a powerhouse forward, leading Essendon to two premierships (1949, 1950). His personal accolades include five VFL Leading Goalkicker awards and an All-Australian selection in 1953. Despite his career being cut short, Coleman’s impact was profound, earning him Legend status in the AFL Hall of Fame and a place in the AFL Team of the Century.
Dick Reynolds (1933-1951)
Dick Reynolds stands as one of the greatest players in the history of the Essendon Bombers. Starting his career at just 16, Reynolds played 320 games and scored 443 goals. Known for his incredible agility and speed, Reynolds won three Brownlow Medals and was named Essendon’s Best and Fairest seven times. As captain-coach from 1939 to 1950, he led the Bombers to four premierships. Reynolds’ contributions to the game were recognized with Legend status in the AFL Hall of Fame and a place in the Essendon Team of the Century.
The Essendon Bombers’ history is rich with the achievements of these legendary players, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the club and the game of Australian football.
