Recently, club historian Gary Wicking has pored over vintage newspapers on microfilm dating back over a hundred years and has determined that there was documented evidence of fore-runners of the current club as early as 1893 for both football and cricket in the district.

Now also commonly known by the nickname 'Abers', the club's original playing strip was retired in 1999 and the following year (2000) a new striking design was implemented.

The club's Under 18's which comes under the jurisdiction of Senior Football, won five consecutive premierships 2000–2004 which is an EDFL record for a single team and again in 2008 and 2012.

In Seasons 2013 and 2014, the flagship senior teams coached by Mal Michael made their respective Grand Finals but lost both.

In 2017, the Essendon District Football League moved to an odd-numbered competition for all junior grades.

In a highly successful junior and senior season the Gorillas claimed the ultimate prize yet again despite losing several key players at the end of 2016.