Essendon’s Take Off Program has announced the first winner of its Take Off Program Platinum Promotion, with diehard Dons supporter Jon Larkin winning $1,000 cash.
This program supports the Club's ‘Our Fabric Bombers’ Foundation, established to generate sustainable income for strategic investments aligned to the four key pillars of the foundation - Our Premierships, Our Heartland, Our Heritage, and Our Community.
The introduction of our Take Off Program provides our valued network of supporters with an optional platform to further their contributions to the club through tax-deductible donations. Those who purchase a Platinum Package are automatically entered into the Take Off Program Platinum Promotion giving them the change to win cash prizes up to $13,000.
As a longstanding supporter of the Club, Larkin was thrilled to receive his prize from the Early Bird Draw 1 drawn on Monday the 23rd of February 2026, commending the program’s sustainability for the Bombers’ long-term future.
“It came as a complete surprise,” Larkin said.
“I have four High Mark memberships and will probably reallocate the winnings towards next year’s fees. This way the winnings recycles back to the club.
“I have been a paid-up member of the Club for more than 44 years. I first became a follower in 1969 as a very young boy and would attend games at Windy Hill whenever I was allowed by taking a tram and train from my home in South Caulfield to and from the venue.
“I remember the melee between Essendon and Richmond, and the police horse that nearly kicked me from behind as I was standing on tin beer cans to be able to watch the game over the fence.
“Having been personally involved with fundraising for the club in the past, notably within the Red and Black Coterie, I would highly recommend an investment towards our long-term future. It makes you feel that little more connected to the club and team.
“I just felt inspired to continue to return something back to the club that has given me so much pleasure over many years. It provides a very easy and simple way for members to contribute to our long-term future in an ever-increasing competitive environment.
“Nothing succeeds like success and it takes a truly combined and invested group of people from the Board down to the players, staff and members to reach premiership contention, let alone win one.”
