 The club started the season slowly but soon made up ground as a tight battle ensued with league leaders Green Gully.It was neck and neck until late into the season when Essendon Croatia capitulated following a 2–0 defeat at the hands of Green Gully in Round 20.Notably 1981 also saw David Brogan join Essendon Croatia from Croydon City midway through the season, he would go on to become one of the club's most prolific strikers in its long history.