The Red & Black Project

Bomber #725, Charlie Payne, reflects on his 184-game career in red & black (1962-72), which included the 1962 & 1965 premierships. Such was Payne's popularity with the Essendon faithful, he even had a song penned in his honour!

AFL journeyman, Tony Delaney, Bomber #976, discusses his 15-game career in red and black (1993-94), plus being a member of Fremantle's inaugural side (1995-99, 28 games) and his final stint with St Kilda (2000-01, 33 games). Tony also talks about the rewarding work he does today with Indigenous youth in Western Australia.

Bomber number 989, Michael Prior, reflects on his childhood in Western Australia, the expectations of being the No. 3 overall pick in the 1992 AFL draft, his 90-game career at Essendon (1993-2000) and the West Coast Eagles (2001-02) and, more recently, his time as coach of the Eagles' AFLW team.

Bomber number 1011, Simon Eastaugh, discusses his time at Essendon (1998-2000) which coincided with a golden era for the club & included selection in the famous 1998 'Marshmallow' game & the victorious 1999 reserves Grand Final side. Limited to just 17 senior games in the red & black, the hard-working ruckman joined Fremantle (2001-02, 12 games) where he continues to work with Dockers today.

Apologies if some of the audio sounds muffled, owing to a bad phone line. 

Bomber number 798, Laurie Moloney, discusses his upbringing in South Gippsland, being part of a famous premiership with Leongatha FNC (1970), then his 80-game career in red & black (1971-76).

Former captain and dual premiership player, Don McKenzie, recalls his 266-game career at Essendon, where he defied an early knock-back to become one of the club's finest ruckmen and servants. Don also discusses his leading role in the league-altering player strike, in 1970, that saw him stripped of the captaincy but helped set in motion the establishment of the AFL Players' Association.

Bomber No. 660, Hugh Mitchell, Essendon's oldest surviving premiership player, reflects on his childhood as a passionate supporter of the club where he later played 224 games (1953-67), won two premierships (1962 & 1965), was a three-time leading goalkicker (1955, 1961 & 1964), became a life member and, in 2012, was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame.

Bomber number 870, Alan Stoneham, discusses his time at Footscray (1972-79) before crossing to Windy Hill in 1980. During a 72-game career in red and black (1980-83), that included captaining the '83 reserves premiership side, Stoneham suffered a severe head knock against Hawthorn, the beginning of ongoing brain-related issues he has faced since that day. In a raw and honest account of some of the highs and devastating lows that he and wife Julie have experienced in their lives, Stoneham also recounts some of the more enjoyable moments from his time with the Bombers.    

Bomber number 756, Peter Daniel, discusses his 100-game career at Essendon (1968-74) and his Hall of Fame career in Tasmania, and also reveals a never-told-before story of the time he stood up to EFC president, Allan Hird, while seeking greater rights and conditions for players.
(Apologies for any audio issues)

Bomber number 766, David Collins, president of the Essendon Football Club Past Players & Officials Association, discusses his 14-game career at the Bombers (1969-70), plus his post-playing days working alongside Kevin Sheedy in the coach's box.