Essendon is proud to share that Colin Hooper and Graham Moss will each be honoured at the AFL’s Season Launch in March. 

A beloved volunteer of the Club across 54 consecutive VFL/AFL seasons and counting, Hooper has been named a recipient of this year’s Jack Titus Award in recognition of his outstanding service to Australian football beyond a playing career. 

Beginning with Essendon in 1972 under Senior Coach Des Tuddenham as a runner and sprint coach, Hooper has been a mainstay of the Bombers ever since. For over 40 straight years, he was an interchange steward and has assisted in the property team since 2020.

In addition to his roles, Hooper has been a constant in providing support for players and staff alike on gamedays and during daily training sessions.

His ongoing tenure at Essendon also coincided with the playing career of Moss, who is set be inducted as an AFL Life Member.

Moss enjoyed four stellar seasons with the Bombers between 1973-’76 after moving across from Claremont, earning three Crichton Medals over his 84-game stint and cementing himself in the history books as the winner of the 1976 Brownlow Medal. 

The first ever Western Australian (and just the fourth Don) to win the Brownlow, Moss continued to star into the 1980's upon moving back to WA, appearing for his state 23 times and Captain-Coaching Claremont to a flag in 1981. 

Moss is regarded as one of the finest ruckmen in the game’s history, with WA’s Best on Ground honour at representative level now named in his honour. 

Essendon President Andrew Welsh congratulated Hooper and Moss on their achievements.

“To see ‘Hoops’ recognised with such a massive honour makes us really proud,” Welsh said. 

“He was an elder statesman and a staple of the Club throughout my whole playing career, so for him to still be contributing to it on a daily basis speaks volumes of his character, his commitment and his passion for the place. 

“People like ‘Hoops’ are the backbone that keep footy clubs going.

“Graham Moss made a massive impact at Essendon in such a short time and we’re thrilled that his contribution to the wider game is being rewarded with Life Membership.

“He’s part of two very exclusive groups as a three-time Crichton winner and a Brownlow Medallist, which holds him in quite special regard – both in our four walls and to football generally.” 

Essendon would also like to congratulate former Club doctor Gary Zimmerman on his induction as an AFL Life Member, along with all the other recipients on the night.