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| | Uncy Herb's Essendon Fan Rant 2004 - History - Early Days |
 | | In 1877, the Victorian Football Association was formed, the first controlling body for Australian Rules football in Victoria, with Essendon joining Melbourne, Geelong, Carlton, Albert Park, St.Kilda, Hotham and East Melbourne in the new competition. |
 | | Over the first few years, Essendon was regarded as a 'Junior' side, and at times allowed to field 25 men to their opponents 20, but by the early 1880's had become one of the power teams, despite being unable to record a premiership. |
 | | In 1886 Essendon fans were treated to Charles Pearson revolutionizing the game by being the first player to leap from the confines of the ground in order to take a high flying mark. |
| members.optusnet.com.au /uncyherb/history1.htm (824 words) |
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