How Essendon went from a club on its knees to finals footy and a bright future
ONCE a club on its knees, Essendon has picked itself up off the canvas, but the job is not done yet for a club that has, for too long, been “shabby”, on the field and off, writes JON RALPH.
Essendon
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ESSENDON has been a mediocre club for too long now.
Ordinary on the field and shabby off it in many ways.
When Essendon was bounced from the 2004 finals series a week after an elimination final win over Melbourne it was still a club on the march.
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It was feared, respected, a financial powerhouse and believed winning finals was its birthright.
In 26 seasons from 1979 to 2004, it played finals in 20 of 26 seasons with four premierships from six Grand Finals.
It hasn’t won another final in the 13 years since.
Which is why the concept of Essendon having a free hit this Saturday is ridiculous.
A finals victory would be a massive shot on the arm for a club that has this year taken a giant leap back to respectability.
It would shore up the position of coach John Worsfold, help strip millions off the club debt and draw a line in the sand.
That line would be drawn to allow Essendon to move on from the most inglorious decade in its history.
As David Zaharakis said on the weekend, it has been way too long since Essendon has tasted September success.
“The club hasn’t won a final since 2004 and it’s a long drought. This club has a long history of success. It’s about time we step up and win a final. It’s what the fans want, it’s what the players want and it’s time.”
Since that 2004 finals series, Essendon has played just three finals for losses in 2009, 2011 and 2014.
Geelong has won 15 of its 25 finals since then, and Hawthorn 16 of its 24.
Even Melbourne has won a final since Essendon’s last finals victory, even if perennial finals laughing stock Richmond’s last finals win dates back to 2001.
It goes without saying Essendon’s ASADA issues were the greatest crisis the AFL has seen.
It came off the back of Kevin Sheedy’s turbulent exit, the club’s mishandling of Matthew Knights’ tenure (it extended his deal then sacked him), its mishandling of James Hird’s hiring.
Under chairman Paul Little and CEO Xavier Campbell it mended fences, stemmed the bleeding, somehow retained its banned players, calmed the sponsors.
A club that could have ceased to exist or been put back a decade — as Carlton was after its salary-cap issues — could be a force again.
Little must have wondered if it was worth it at times when he was wading knee-deep in the proverbial during those tough years, but look at the Bombers now.
“You would have to be something other than human not to have those emotions,” Little told the Herald Sun.
“It was very tough period for everyone involved in the club but I am not sure we need to lament what has happened in the past.
“It is such an exciting time for the footy club, we have exciting players and a strong admin and everything is about the future.
“I will be there. I can’t help but be proud of the playing list and the supporter group that stuck with them.
“Look at all the records the club has set this year, it’s just been an amazing year really.
“Some say we don’t need to perform well because it’s already been an amazing year. I still think it’s important we give our best effort on Saturday, and let’s see where that leads us.”
Campbell says the club won’t address Worsfold’s contract until next year, but a finals victory or two would surely change that and set him up for a five year-plus reign at Essendon.
The Herald Sun reported last month the club profit would be well in excess of $3 million already.
A deep run into September would turbocharge membership and attendance figures, already phenomenal in this year of clean air, and allow it to quickly clear its depth.
Plenty at stake on Saturday?
You betcha, with an Essendon win official confirmation of the dawn of a new era for this once-mighty club.
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