Founded in 1897, the Essendon Bombers won the first league premiership. They are one of the most successful clubs in the AFL. The year 2000 produced a record-breaking season for Essenond, winning both the Ansett Cup and the AFL premiership. The records they broke that year were: * Most games won in a season (24/25). * Most games won in succession in a season (20). * Highest finals score ever -- 31.12 (198) against the Kangaroos. * Best ever start to a season (20-0). * Most consecutive weeks on top of the ladder (29). * Most flags (equal with Carlton) with 16.