HISTORY

TIMELINE

April 4 1895
East Melbourne Harriers Established
On April 4, 1895, Messrs. Robert Croll and Henry Amos convened a meeting at the Holy Trinity gymnasium in
East Melbourne, laying the foundation for the
East Melbourne Harriers.

The club adopted a uniform consisting of a dark blue jersey with "E.M.H." in white on the breast, black shorts with a white stripe, and a black cap.

On May 4, 1895, the Harriers held their first organized running meeting, which took place at the Brighton Beach baths and attracted 28 participants.
April 4 1895
1906-1907
Essendon Harriers Established
On April 14, 1897, the Essendon Harriers become affiliated with the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association (V.A.A.A).

The first documented report of the Essendon Harriers appeared in the Essendon Gazette on May 8, 1897, highlighting their participation in a Paperchase event.
1906-1907
April 22 1906, Athens Olympics
First Olympian
Gregory 'Dad' Wheatley becomes the club's first athlete to be selected for the Olympic Games, representing Australia in Athens in the 800m.
April 22 1906, Athens Olympics
April 14 1897
First H. H. Hunter Shield Championship Title
The East Melbourne Harriers win the club's first H. H. Hunter Shield title in 1906. They win back-to-back titles after winning again in 1907.
April 14 1897
July 11 1914
World War I
On the 11th of July 1914, all athletics and cross country fixtures were abandoned due to the growing impact of
World War I.
July 11 1914
1919
St. Thomas Harriers & Essendon Harriers Merge
St. Thomas Harriers merge with Essendon when athletics resumed in 1919. The combined club agreed to compete under the name ‘Essendon Harriers’.
1919
April 8 1927
Essendon Amateur Athletic Club Renaming
The Essendon Harriers were renamed the Essendon Amateur Athletic Club.
April 8 1927
1959
Essendon-Aberfeldie Women’s Amateur Athletic Club Established
The Essendon-Aberfeldie Women’s Amateur Athletic Club was formed in 1959. This would later be known as the
Essendon-Aberfeldie Amateur Athletic Club.
1959
October 16 1968, Mexico City Olympics
1968 Olympics Human Rights Movment
Peter Norman becomes the club's first Olympic medallist after coming second in the 200m at the Mexico City Olympics.

The photo from the victory ceremony has become one of the most iconic photos in sporting history. In a show of solidarity and support for human rights, Peter Norman stood on the podium alongside Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos wearing the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR) badge.
October 16 1968, Mexico City Olympics
January 21 1973
Essendon Amateur Athletic Centre Opens
The Essendon Amateur Athletic Centre officially opens on Sunday January 21, 1973.
January 21 1973
August 21 1978
Amalgamation of East Melbourne Harriers
& Essendon Amateur Athletic Club
On Monday August 21 members of Essendon A. A. C and
East Melbourne Harriers meet to finalise the details of the amalgamation of the two clubs.

The new club colours were black, blue, red and white, with the uniform consisting of black shorts and a white singlet with red 'Essendon' blue 'EMH' and red and blue trimmings.

August 21 1978
1993
Athletics Essendon Established
Essendon-E.M.H. and Essendon-Aberfeldie Amateur Athletic Club amalgamate to form Athletics Essendon.

The club adopts red and black as its official club colours.

The club goes on to win the Victorian State League championships in 1995-96, 1997-98 and 1998-99 as well as the men winning the H. H. Hunter Memorial Shield in 1996, 1997 and 1999.
1993
September 15 2000, Sydney Olympics
Sydney Olympics
Five athletes are selected for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games; Anne Cross (5000m), Margaret Crowley (1500m), Sarah Jamieson (1500m), Dinon Russell (20km & 50km walk) and Casey Vincent (400m & 4x400m relay).
September 15 2000, Sydney Olympics
August 29 2012, London Paralympics
First Paralympian
Michelle Errichiello becomes the club's first Paralympian, representing Austalia in the 100m T42.
August 29 2012, London Paralympics
February 22 2020
Athletics Victoria Shield League Champions
Athletics Essendon becomes the first club to win the
Athletics Victoria Shield League Playoffs in the competitions inaugural season.
February 22 2020
September 2 2021, 2020 Toyko Paralympics
First Paralympic Medallist
Maria 'Maz' Strong becomes the club's first Paralympic medallist after finishing third in the shot put F33.
September 2 2021, 2020 Toyko Paralympics
March 5 2023
20th H. H. Hunter Shield Championship Title
The club secures its 20th H. H. Hunter Shield title.

The complete list of the 20 Championships titles are:
1906, 1907, 1926, 1980, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2023.
March 5 2023