The night began at 7 pm with drinks in the Silent Auction showroom. While guests browsed through the 300 items up for auction, they were entertained by guitar duo, Morgenthaler.
The feature piece of the Silent Auction was the antique billiard table once housed at Essendon Football Club. This table now restored to its original pre-war glory has many stories to tell. Before being handed over to new owners, the table notched up one more story with three-time world billiards and snooker champion, Robby Foldvari showing off his skills. Robby impressed onlookers with some of his favourite tricks and presented his newest trick – the Lloyd (between the two white markers).
Once guests were seated, the fun began with the Ultimate Spin – an interactive game supported by Crown Casino and the AFL. All guests had the opportunity to buy into this game which was a game of chance and elimination. The final three contestants were winners, taking home a football signed by either Kevin Sheedy, James Hird or Matthew Lloyd.
Only one of these, however, was the ultimate winner. Attached to one ball (Kevin Sheedy) was the bonus prize consisting of the ultimate Brownlow night. The lucky winner received tickets for two people to the Brownlow Medal presentation dinner plus accommodation, breakfast and valet parking at Crown Towers and dinner or lunch in a Crown restaurant of their choice.
Strange antics occurred early in the evening with the Head Beverage Waiter taking on a French drink waiter in a singing dual. Much to Crown’s relief, and to the enjoyment of the audience, these waiters were actually members of The Three Waiters entertainment act. This talented trio did not just wow the audience with their sensational singing but involved the audience with shouts of ""Oui Oui"" and ""Si Si"" and much waving of serviettes.
After dinner, the serious bidding began as auctioneer Phil DeFegely conducted the main auction. The feature of the main auction was a MINI Cooper S provided by BMW Melbourne, complete with exclusive Bombers detailing and set off with DONS-05 number plates generously donated by long-time Essendonian, Ron Kirwan.
Other exclusive items included lunch with Federal treasurer, Peter Costello, a trip to Manchester United’s home ground for a personal tour plus tickets to a Manchester United soccer match, and a number of money-can’t-usually-buy Essendon experiences.
With the live auction over, guests had the choice of joining Robby Foldvari for more billiards tricks, being part of the final bidding frenzy for silent auction items or enjoying dessert and the company of other supporters and sponsors.
As the clock approached midnight, nine-piece Melbourne band, Bustagroove, took to the stage. The band played one crowd-pleaser after another and the dance floor was full from the first song. Fronted by three dancers, the band undertook costume changes and presented a fantastic show.
Click here for a full photo gallery from the Ultimate Ball.
