Essendon vs St Kilda: A Rivalry Steeped in History and Heartbreak

The Essendon Bombers and St Kilda Saints are two of the most iconic and storied clubs in the Australian Football League (AFL). Their rivalry is one of the most passionate and enduring in the sport, filled with countless memorable matches, bitter disappointments, and moments of triumph.

The origins of the Essendon-St Kilda rivalry can be traced back to the early days of the Victorian Football League (VFL), the precursor to the AFL. Both clubs were founded in the late 1800s and quickly established themselves as powerhouses of the competition. Their matches were always fiercely contested and often drew huge crowds.

One of the most famous matches between Essendon and St Kilda was the 1966 VFL Grand Final. Essendon was heavily favored to win, but St Kilda upset the odds with a thrilling victory. The Saints' triumph was sparked by a brilliant performance from their star forward, Carl Ditterich, who kicked 10 goals. The match is still remembered as one of the greatest Grand Finals in VFL/AFL history.

The rivalry between Essendon and St Kilda intensified in the 1990s and early 2000s. The two clubs were often competing for the top of the ladder and their matches were always highly anticipated. In 1993, Essendon defeated St Kilda in the Grand Final by a record margin of 117 points. However, the Saints got their revenge in 1997, winning the Grand Final by a mere five points.

In recent years, the Essendon-St Kilda rivalry has been somewhat overshadowed by the emergence of other clubs, such as the Geelong Cats and the Richmond Tigers. However, the two clubs still have a passionate fan base and their matches remain must-see events on the AFL calendar.

What makes the Essendon-St Kilda rivalry so special is its history, its passion, and its heartbreak. Both clubs have experienced moments of triumph and despair over the years, but they have always maintained a mutual respect for each other.

The rivalry between Essendon and St Kilda is a reminder that sport is more than just a game. It is about passion, tradition, and community. It is about the shared experiences that bring people together and the memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you are a Bombers fan or a Saints supporter, there is no doubt that the Essendon-St Kilda rivalry is one of the greatest in Australian football.