Legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney says Essendon’s all-conquering 2000 premiership team was the best side he’s seen play.
Led by coach Kevin Sheedy and captain James Hird, the Bombers lost just once during the home and away season before beating Melbourne by 60 points in the Grand Final.
McAvaney said the 2000 Essendon side were better than the likes of Brisbane, Hawthorn and Richmond, who have all enjoyed recent success in the last two decades.
“Essendon (in 2000) were just an amazing team and they were an absolute powerhouse,” McAvaney told Channel 7.
“They’re the best (I’ve seen), I can’t remember a stronger team on and off the field than them in 2000.
“We’ve had Richmond very recently, before that Hawthorn with three (premiership), Geelong had that period of domination and Brisbane Lions had three (premierships).
“On and off the field around that 1999-2000 time, Essendon is the strongest I’ve ever seen any club.”