This season also represents the first time since 2002 that the club will independently compete with a reserves team in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

On 5 February the Essendon Football Club asked Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) to investigate the concerns over the clubs possible use of un-approved supplements during the 2012 season.

[1] An Independent review conducted by Ziggy Switkowski regarding the Essendon Football Club governance processes was released to the public on 6 May.

[4] Chairman David Evans resigns citing health issues on 27 July.

[6] On 27 August, the AFL charged the Essendon Football Club with breaking "Rule 1.6 - engaging in conduct that is unbecoming or likely to prejudice the interests or reputation of the Australian Football League or to bring the game of football into disrepute".