Having pulled off a series of inspirational wins in 2011, Essendon supporters have definitely gotten value for their money this year – and none was better than the gutsy defeat of the previously unbeaten Geelong several weeks ago, as shown below:
Sitting in my usual seat, it came after a couple of difficult weeks in my life, and lifted me so high.
Wandering through my memories over the years, I have a collection of games that I’ve attended where the same has happened. When I’ve been low, my team has come through for me.
I will never forget our record comeback from 69-points down against North Melbourne in 2001. I was there.
Darren Bewick kicking two huge goals right in front of me to get us home against St Kilda at Waverley Park in 1998.
Coming back from over forty points down at three-quarter-time against Melbourne in 1992. I was there.
All massive, all emotional, and none of them I will ever forget – and almost all of them coinciding with a time I needed an emotional lift. They sometimes feel like they did them for me.
Here’s a short compilation of some of the miraculous moments I have been lucky enough to witness live:
- Steve Alessio – “A Kick for the Ages” – we’d been behind Sydney all night, played like a second rate team – but lifted in the last quarter, with Alessio putting us in front with a few seconds to go – the first time we’d led all night.
- Gary Moorcroft – “It’ll be on CNN!” – regarded by many as the greatest mark of all time – (and certainly in the top two or three) – I was at the far end from this huge one, but just remember the complete sense of euphoria that spread around the ground. And it did get on CNN. And he did it on Brad Johnson’s back, which made it more special.
- James Hird – “You Are A Genius” – a remarkable see-sawing game against West Coast, following a week in which James Hird was penalised for publicly criticising an umpire, and under pressure from many angles. Fifteen possessions in the final quarter and the miraculous final goal. I was sitting directly behind the line of this kick, and it was unforgettable.
- David Zaharakis – “Zaharakis! Zaharakis!” – fighting back after looking completely beaten, David Zaharakis kicks his first goal in football. To beat Collingwood. On Anzac Day. If he never did another thing in football, it would never been forgotten.
- Adam Goodes – “He’s Missed!” – not actually an Essendon player of course, but last night another memory was added to the list – the best point I’ve ever seen an opposition player kick. Goodes needed a goal to give Sydney the win after the final siren, and he missed. One of the best games of the year. Elation.
Never say die, Essendon.