The VFL match was the first to be played in the district and took place between Essendon and Carlton in round 1, 1922. For the record Essendon won 11.14.80 to Carlton 9.8.62 before an crowd estimated at 22,000 people.
The Argus newspaper reported Essendon the first to score kicking against the wind before Essendon’s Frank Maher kicked the first goal of the game after receiving a free kick in the goal square. Team mate Jack Moriarty booted three goals up forward for Essendon while Jack Garden was the key to the win for the home side with brilliant runs down the wing. Sullivan and May also played important roles across the centre line while Baring and Adam were strong in defence.
On the day a brass band played to celebrate the occasion and a new grandstand, in the process of being built, was decorated with flags.
The move to Windy Hill however was not without controversy. After 40 seasons playing at the East Melbourne Cricket Ground, the railways department claimed the land to extend the Jolimont rail yards. With the ground’s loss, Essendon was without a home. It was committeeman Arthur Showers, who was also a local councillor, who secured the use of the ground for the club.
It didn’t take long for the move back to Essendon to reap rewards. The 1922 season was Essendon’s best since 1912, their last premiership year. And Essendon followed up this strong year with not one, but two flags in 1923 and 1924.
As an interesting aside there had already been another Essendon team play on the ground between 1900 and 1921. Known as Essendon Town, they too wore black jumpers with a red sash and played in the VFA. With the arrival of the VFL Essendon, the VFA club Essendon Town disbanded.
Windy Hill went on to host 628 League games between that day and 1991.
Happy birthday Windy Hill.
