Essendon has paid tribute to nine former Crichton Medallists by retrospectively presenting each player and their families with actual medallions to commemorate their past Essendon best and fairest wins.
Prior to 1973 – despite the award still being acknowledged as the Crichton - Essendon’s best and fairest winners were often awarded with material gifts in place of the medallion we see annually these days.
After a long wait, Windy Hill played host for emotional scenes this week as John Birt, Ken Fraser, Darryl Gerlach, Don McKenzie, Barry Davis, Reg Burgess, Jack Clarke, Hugh Mitchell and Neville Fields were all honoured with retrospective medals at the Club’s spiritual home.
In the cases of Davis, Burgess, Clarke and Mitchell, who have each sadly passed on in recent years, family members were in attendance to receive the award, giving heartfelt speeches in the memory of true greats who defined an entire generation of the Bombers from the 1950’s through to the early ‘70’s.
Former players and administrators such as Jason Johnson (MC), David Collins, Greg Sewell, David Shaw and Greg Brown were all involved in the lunch as presenters of the medals.
Touching and often teary stories of on-field and off-field exploits gripped the room, whether they were reflecting on the supreme football intelligence of Clarke, the elusiveness of Mitchell, the leadership of Fraser, the athleticism of Davis or the safety teammates felt in McKenzie’s presence against some of the more 'rugged' opponents of the ‘60’s era.
Fields unfortunately couldn’t make it to Melbourne for the lunch but was announced to resounding applause from the room.
Essendon President Andrew Welsh and CEO Craig Vozzo attended alongside members of the Club’s current Board and Executive, moved by a unifying day for past players and families of the Bombers.
“Events like these are critical in celebrating our people and it was brilliant to see the nine players and their families honoured with Crichton Medals,” Vozzo said.
“Ultimately, while the medallions recognise on-field play, it’s really a medal that bonds the winners and their families to our footy club. You could see exactly how deeply meaningful the awards were from the emotional reactions of the presenters, sons, daughters and extended family in the room.
"It was genuinely moving for everyone in the room. We always look to acknowledge and make our past players feel intrinsically connected to our Club, and this event was an important way of doing this.
“We congratulate each player and their families and we hope that these medals further pay tribute to each player's enormous contribution to our Club.”
