The frail 87-year-old was accompanied by his son onto the stage to receivethe award. The triple Brownlow medallist was modest about receiving theenormous honour and fought back tears when speaking to the entire Ballroom.""I don't deserve this honour, Bill Hutchison was the best player I eversaw,"" Reynolds said. The Essendon legend received a standing ovation fromthe 1300 guests filling the ballroom.
To the enjoyment of the guests, each Champion spoke briefly to the audienceabout receiving the personal accolade and what the Essendon Football clubmeans to them. A club official then presented each Champion with a signedguernsey and leatherbound Champions of Essendon book on accepting theiraward. The special evening in the history of Essendon Football Clubclimaxed with the 15 living Champions of Essendon, on stage unveiling theChampions of Essendon painting. The fine art production produced by JamieCooper depicts the 25 Champions of Essendon in the locker room at WindyHill.
Order of the Champions of Essendon:
1. Dick Reynolds
2. John Coleman
3. James Hird
4. Bill Hutchison
5. Simon Madden
6. Tim Watson
7. Ken Fraser
8. Jack Clarke
9. Albert Thurgood
10. Tom Fitzmaurice
11. Terry Daniher
12. Wally Buttsworth
13. Reg Burgess
14. Bill Busbridge
15. Barry Davis
16. Keith Forbes
17. Graham Moss
18. Mark Harvey
19. Gavin Wanganeen
20. Mark Thompson
21. John Birt
22. Matthew Lloyd
23. Michael Long
24. Fred Baring
25. Harold Lambert
CHAMPIONS OF ESSENDON PRINT
The Champions of Essendon print is a must have piece of memorabilia forall Essendon supporters. A fine art production produced by JamieCooper who has painted similar works for AFL club's Team of the Century.This print commemorates Essendon's 25 Champion of Essendon players. Theprint is limited to 200 pieces and comes framed and personally signedby the 25 Champions (facsimile signatures of those that are deceased). TheChampions of Essendon print retails for $895 and comes A- tagged for yoursecurity. Orders are being taken through the Bomber Shop on (03) 9230 0315.
Other Champions of Essendon memorabilia:
Champions of Essendon framed guernsey, limited to 25 pieces - signed byall living Champions of Essendon. Expression of interest in thisunique piece of memorabilia need to be made to the Bomber Shop on (03) 92300315.
Champions of Essendon - Leather-bound book, limited to 25 pieces - signedby all living Champions of Essendon. Expressions of interest in thislimited edition piece of Essendon history need to be made to the Bombershopon (03) 9230 0315.
CHAMPIONS OF ESSENDON - THE BOOK:
Champions of Essendon - the Book is a 240-page, full-colour, hard-coverbook that every true Essendon fan should have. Written by SimonMatthews, the book explores the lives and football careers of Essendon'sgreatest 60 players, taking an even closer look at the 25 playerswho will be inducted as Champions of Essendon. Supporters wanting toorder the book can call the club on (03) 9230 0390 or click here to order online.At just $59.95 plus postage, the publication representsgreat value and makes for an excellent gift.
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