Page "Essendon Football Club" Paragraph 26

1941 brought Essendon's first grand final appearance since 1923, but the side again lowered its colours to Melbourne.

A year later war broke out and the competition was considerably weakened, with Geelong being forced to pull out of the competition due to travel restrictions as a result of petrol rationing.

Attendances at games also declined dramatically, whilst some clubs had to move from their normal grounds due to them being used for military purposes.

Many players were lost to football due to their military service.

Nevertheless, Essendon went on to win the 1942 Premiership with Western Australian Wally Buttsworth in irrepressible form at centre half back.

Finally, the long awaited premiership was Essendon's after comprehensively outclassing Richmond in the grand final, 19. 18 ( 132 ) to 11. 13 ( 79 ).

The match was played at Carlton in front of 49, 000 spectators.