A new era is set to begin for the Bombers.
After more than 32 years since its last competitive match at the highest level, Windy Hill will play host to its first ever AFLW match when the Bombers take on the Saints this Sunday.
With another exciting chapter set to be written in Essendon’s long-standing attachment to the ground, let’s reflect on some of Windy Hill’s most significant moments to date.
Round one, 1922 – First victory
After finishing the 1921 VFL season at the bottom of the ladder, 1922 marked a new beginning for the Bombers as they formally moved to Windy Hill.
A crowd of over 21,000 people flocked to Napier Street as the Bombers opened their campaign against rivals Carlton, who had finished second the year prior.
Riding home with the momentum, a final-quarter flurry saw the home side overwhelm the Blues, opening their account at the ground with an 11.14 (80) to 9.8 (62) victory.
The inaugural victory would mark the first of 418 total wins for the Bombers at Windy Hill.
Round one, 1949 – Coleman announces himself
Windy Hill was the stage for the birth of one of football’s biggest names, with John Coleman kicking a record 12 goals on debut against the Hawks in 1949.
The star forward would end his first season with 100 goals as the Bombers took home the flag, defeating Carlton in the Grand Final.
Coleman would end up with 537 goals from just 98 career games, his time with the Bombers as a player cut tragically short by a knee injury.
Round seven, 1974 – ‘The Windy Hill brawl’
The half-time siren of the Bombers’ round seven clash with the Tigers in 1974 set the platform for some of the wildest scenes in VFL/AFL history.
After a verbal exchange between Bombers runner Laurie Ashley and Tigers’ hardman Mal Brown, an all-in brawl took place between players and staff, with police forced to intervene and keep peace in the venue.
Seven people were charged by the league, with five found guilty of misconduct.
Round 21, 1991 – Final AFL match
Although none of the 12,000 fans in attendance for the Bombers’ clash with the Brisbane Bears knew it then, round 21 of the 1991 season would serve as Windy Hill’s final AFL match.
Propelled by a 36-disposal, four-goal turn from Darren Bewick, the Bombers ran over the Bears in a shootout, claiming a 23.19 (157) to 17.10 (112) victory.
Round two, 2023 – A new chapter
This weekend, Essendon’s AFLW side will play the first of four home matches at Windy Hill for the 2023 season.
Fresh off a big opening round victory over the Hawks, the Bombers will be looking to take their winning form into a significant occasion in front of its home faithful.
The Bombers and Saints will lock horns at Windy Hill this Sunday, September 10 at 3:05pm.
You can secure your tickets to the match here.
