A gust of wind whips past. It carries the scent of freshly cut grass and distant car fumes. This is Windy Hill. Its name isn’t just a nickname. It’s a testament to the powerful breezes that sweep across this historic ground.
Windy Hill officially the Essendon Recreation Reserve has been a sporting hub for over a century. More than just a field it’s a living legend. It served as the home ground for the Essendon Football Club from 1922 to 1991. Imagine 628 AFL/VFL matches played here. The roar of the crowd the clash of boots on grass. The record attendance of 43487 for an Essendon versus Collingwood match in 1966 still echoes in its memory.
But Windy Hill isn’t just about football. It’s a multi-purpose space. The Essendon Cricket Club has been a tenant for years. It even housed a bowls club a croquet club and a bicycle track in its earlier days. It hosted lacrosse and running too. This place has seen it all. It’s a true testament to community spirit.
The ground’s reputation isn’t just about sports. Lou Richards a former Collingwood captain and columnist coined the nickname “Windy Hill” in the mid-1950s. He captured its essence perfectly. The wind certainly had its part to play in many matches. It even played a role in some unforgettable incidents. The “Battle of Windy Hill” a massive brawl in 1974. Or when Hawthorn’s Leigh Matthews crashed into a goalpost in 1982. These stories are part of Windy Hill’s legacy.
Windy Hill has three grandstands standing today. The R S Reynolds Stand the Alan T Hird Stand and the W H Cookson Stand. These are just remnants of what once was. Other stands like the A F Showers Pavilion were sadly demolished. The W R Crichton Shelter was also removed. What remains is a testament to its glorious past.
Windy Hill may have lost its status as the Essendon Football Club’s primary home. The club moved to a new training facility in 2013. But its spirit remains. The club still uses Windy Hill for its reserves team. It also has plans for a $50 million redevelopment that will improve facilities for everyone. Windy Hill’s story is far from over. The wind continues to blow. The history continues to be written. And this legendary ground continues to stand strong.