Reg Burgess has spoken passionately of his time with Essendon on the night he was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame. 

In a brief but brilliant career, Burgess stamped himself as one of the Bombers best ever.

He made his debut in 1954 at a time Essendon boasted some of the greatest players in the game.

“Having the opportunity to play with Essendon was a dream come true,” Burgess said.

“Knowing that I was going to play with Bill Hutchison and John Coleman was something else.

“I wouldn’t be here tonight if it wasn’t for my teammates.”

Burgess was the club best and fairest winner in 1957, a year that the Bombers made the Grand Final.

He was best and fairest winner again in 1960 and was also runner-up in 1956.

Burgess played in the midfield and was lauded for his ball handling, judgment and aerial strength.

He was also famous for his meticulous preparation.

“I was so dedicated.  Every part of the week was about getting ready for football,” he said.

“I don’t know how my wife put up with me.”

Burgess’s career ended at its height when at the age of just 26 he returned home to run the family farm.

Reg Burgess is ranked at number 13 in the Champions of Essendon.

Years Played: 1954-60

Games: 124


Goals: 9



Best and fairest 1957 and 1960, runner-up 1956

Most improved player 1955

Best utility player 1959

Essendon Team of the Century

9 times Victorian representative

All-Australian 1958