 That year the club took out the much sought after treble of Ampol Cup, Victorian champions and State League Cup (where it defeated George Cross 3-2), an achievement which no other club has ever been able to achieve.The club also made the semi-finals of the Dockerty Cup.Essendon Croatia defended its State League title in 1979 under the dual guidance of Duje Zemunik and player-coach John Gardiner.