Essendon’s Shining Lights: A Decade and a Half of Red and Black Brilliance
Over the past fourteen years, the Essendon Football Club has navigated a period of significant challenge, often falling short of finals success. However, this era has not been devoid of talent. Far from it. The red and black have been graced by a number of electrifying individuals who have, against the odds, provided moments of sheer brilliance and captured the hearts of the faithful. For fans who have weathered these leaner years, witnessing these stars ply their trade has been a consistent source of joy and anticipation.
This list delves into the ten most impactful Essendon players of the last fourteen years, a period that began for this observer with the 2012 season, igniting a lifelong passion for the heroes gracing the hallowed turf. From unforgettable Anzac Day spectacles and vibrant Dreamtime at the ‘G encounters to dazzling displays under the roof at Docklands, these Bombers have consistently stood out.
While this selection celebrates the elite, it’s worth acknowledging those who narrowly missed the cut. Players like Cale Hooker, Paddy Ryder, Jake Stringer, and Brendon Goddard, who have all contributed significantly, can consider themselves unlucky. Furthermore, emerging talents such as Nic Martin and Sam Durham show immense promise and could well feature at the top of such a list in years to come.
Here, then, are the top 10 Essendon Bombers of the past 14 years:
10. Archie Roberts
While it might seem a touch premature, Archie Roberts has already demonstrated his undeniable talent and leadership qualities. Securing second place in the Crichton Medal before even reaching 30 games played is a testament to his immediate impact and his position as a cornerstone of the club’s future. Roberts possesses a left foot that is simply a joy to watch, and his on-field presence and maturity have been precisely what Essendon has been crying out for.
9. Dustin Fletcher
A true rock in the Essendon defence, Dustin Fletcher, affectionately known as “Fletch,” remained a vital cog in the Bombers’ backline throughout the twilight of his illustrious 22-year career, from 2012 to 2015. Even in the latter stages, his reliability was unwavering. Fletcher was instrumental in shutting down opposition forwards and possessed the remarkable ability to launch booming clearances from deep within his own defence, often travelling an astounding 70 metres.
8. Peter Wright
Shining in a refined ruck role in recent seasons, Peter Wright has also delivered some truly exceptional individual campaigns. His standout year was undoubtedly the club’s 150th-anniversary season in 2022, where he claimed the Crichton Medal, kicked 52 goals, and led the club’s goalkicking. Wright has provided the imposing presence Essendon desperately needed in its key forward stocks throughout the 2020s, solidifying his well-earned place on this list.
7. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
A bona fide cult hero, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, or ‘Tippa’ as he’s universally known, embodies the spirit of the club. He was the face of Essendon through the late 2010s, injecting a much-needed dose of excitement and optimism for the fans. His goal-kicking ability was often spectacular, with ‘Tippa’ capable of conjuring majors from improbable angles at any stage of a game. His relentless chase-down tackling was equally electrifying, showcasing his incredible work rate and commitment. Despite never receiving All-Australian honours, ‘Tippa’ was the quintessential small forward that both the supporters and his teammates adored.
6. Andrew McGrath
The newly appointed captain, Andrew McGrath, may be a divisive figure among some sections of the fanbase, but his leadership qualities and impact on the young Essendon group are undeniable. He represents a promising option for the club’s next premiership-winning captain. McGrath’s arrival on the AFL scene was heralded by his Rising Star and AFLPA Best First Year Player awards in 2017, immediately marking him as a future legend of the Essendon Football Club.
5. Darcy Parish
While Darcy Parish has become a more contentious figure for the Bombers in recent times, there was a period where he was an undisputed favourite of the red and black faithful. Debuting in 2016, Parish was widely considered the next big thing for Essendon. He proved his mettle during a season where the club faced significant player suspensions, showcasing his capabilities as an exceptional footballer. Parish truly blossomed in the 2021 season, earning All-Australian selection and delivering standout performances in two of the Bombers’ most significant home-and-away fixtures, clinching both the Anzac Day Medal and the Yiooken award for his best-on-ground efforts in Dreamtime at the ‘G.
4. Joe Daniher
It was a bittersweet chapter for Essendon fans to witness Joe Daniher, once hailed as their most promising father-son prospect since 2004 and anointed as the player to lead the club to its next premiership, achieve ultimate success elsewhere with the Brisbane Lions in 2024. However, Daniher’s tenure in the red and black was punctuated by several truly remarkable seasons. He earned All-Australian honours in 2017 and claimed the club’s best and fairest in what was arguably Essendon’s strongest season of the past decade. Daniher was the club’s leading goalkicker for four consecutive years, from 2014 to 2017, and was an absolute superstar before a series of groin injuries began to impact his career in 2018.
3. Zach Merrett
Zach Merrett stands as the most decorated Essendon player of the last fourteen years. His trophy cabinet boasts an impressive six Best and Fairest awards, three All-Australian selections, and three years as club captain. However, his departure during the 2025 trade period, while a significant event, has arguably impacted his standing on this particular list. While his on-field contributions are undeniable, Merrett has, in some eyes, not consistently demonstrated the unwavering commitment and passion for the club that defines a true “clubman” – the sort of dedication that the two players ranked above him embody. His immense talent is unquestionable, but a perceived lack of deep-seated passion for the Bombers has seen him placed here.
2. Dyson Heppell
Dyson Heppell’s electrifying left boot, his ability to run off half-back and surge through the midfield, and his general leadership will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Essendon supporters. Despite securing only one Best and Fairest award during his career, Heppell captained the club for five years and provided the steady, inspiring leadership the Bombers desperately needed in the aftermath of the supplement saga. His career trajectory was set from his Rising Star win in 2011, and he consistently delivered on that early promise.
1. Jobe Watson
Jobe Watson was the embodiment of leadership and a pivotal figure during a significant era for the Essendon Football Club. A three-time club Best and Fairest winner and the recipient of the 2012 Brownlow Medal (which he later relinquished), Watson was the undisputed face of the Bombers for over a decade. His ability to break through packs, deliver precise passes, and his imposing presence as a big-bodied midfielder earned him two All-Australian selections in 2012 and 2013. Watson was the star who captivated fans and consistently made a tangible difference in every game he played.
