Glenhuntly v Essendon rivalry began in 1961

The H H Hunter shield is awarded to the best performing club in Victorian Championships. Essendon has won it 5 times in the past 10 years. In 2011 it was awarded to Essendon and on a recount given to Glenhuntly.

In March 2015 Essendon and Glenhuntly again will be among the short priced favourites for this honour.

1961 Premiership: In those days all athletes competed in inter-club events and it was just 2 teams competing against each other each week so progressive scores were always known during the competition. Essendon and Glenhuntly competed for the premiership in 1961. Half way through the competition Essendon looked like winning. The main events yet to come were the 440 yards where Essendon were expected to take 1st, 2nd & 3rd and the exact reverse result in the Mile which was Glenhuntly’s specialty. This would give Essendon the victory. When the runners came out for the 440 (400m) Glenhuntly used a surprise tactic by entering the National one mile champion, Trevor Vincent hoping he could knock off Essendon’s one lappers. It didn’t work but it was a clever tactic. Bob Crombie & Ian Williams were 1st and 2nd in the 440 and Essendon’s Bill Dearness ran the race of his life to get 2nd in the mile. A photograph of this Essendon premiership team is in the Bill Burke Room.

Reunion Photo: Seven of these old guys had lunch in September. Sam Pennisi, John Aughey, Bob Crombie, Bill Dearness, Ian Williams, Noel Witney & Don Williams