I realised as I was doing the write-ups that I had elevated some matches too much based on one or two big moments. Daniher’s goals on ANZAC Day 2017 are the best example of that I can think of in the list so far. 2017 in general I wish I’d gone a little lighter on. I remember the games fondly because of that feeling of having fresh air after watching the team and having the saga punishments dealt with. The games are probably nothing special on a re-watch, for the most part.
Yes, and let’s not forget how significant the game against the Blues was the week prior. I’m sure that took its toll. The Carlton fixture had been built up as the biggest home-and-away game in history at the time.
Interesting tid bit - I didn’t know about this at all.
I always thought that the Bulldogs losing by 70+ against us the following year (and generally being a very average side) was pretty good evidence that “the flood” wasn’t such a revolutionary moment in Aussie Rules tactics as it was made out. Surely if it was that critical, the team that invented the idea would go up the ladder, not down?
On this, I was thinking about my rationale for what makes the list the other day. If I had my time again, I think I’d simplify it to “rewatchability” and try to put aside what the win meant in the grander scheme of things. Finding old games to re-watch is really what 90% of people searching for a list like this will be looking for.
There are some great wins that I omitted because, at the time, I remember being equally frustrated as I was happy, even though the win was hard to fault in isolation. The win against St Kilda late in 2010 is the one that comes to mind. We demolished a team that had consistently been near the top of the ladder for 18 months, but it came at a time when we’d already thrown our season away with week after week of unaccountable footy against much poorer opposition. I’d like to create that mental separation a bit better if I was to ever do a future list (or maybe even a revisit in 10 years).
That’s kind of my point. The only reason this win is considered noteworthy is because of how poor our record has been in the last 25 years. I’m pretty sure 16 of the other 18 teams (excluding GWS and GC) wouldn’t have such a win nearly this high on their own respective lists.
Yeah, I don’t think the tactic was that beneficial, but it was hugely influential. A lot of teams played like this for the next 5-10 culminating in that hideous to watch 2005 Sydney team winning a Premiership (the “ugly ducklings”). It sort of only died out in 2007 as the Cats play on at all costs style from that era was implemented specifically to get the ball forward before the opposition could flood back.
It’s just funny that the game that caused everyone to implement the tactic was massively misunderstood and the flood didn’t have much (if anything) to do with the loss.
Remember him being asked by the press, do you think the Bombers having Bomber T on their panel, having inside word on your players, made a difference to the result, and Scott implied what the fark do you reckon? Didn’t take the loss well at all.
Which in turn was beaten by the Saints and later the Pies forward press, which was later figured out by a combination of other play styles.
Proof that attempts to control the quality of the sport by the corporate higher-ups is futile, and just allowing the game to evolve organically will always be the best philosophy, rather than endless rule changes
I mean, sure I’m not disputing we have been ■■■■ for 25 years. Just thought it was curious that out of all the games on that list so far, an interstate finals win was the strongest indicator to you that we have been no good. I reckon most clubs would have interstate finals wins right up there in significance after Prelims and GF’s.
Well… it kinda has. We don’t have a huge plethora of options. A win that might be top 20-30 for us wouldn’t even reach the century for many other clubs.
Imagine trying to do a top 50 wins this century for clubs like Geelong, Collingwood, Sydney and Brisbane. Wouldn’t know where to start.
Essendon returned from their mid-season bye to be 4th on the ladder despite the ongoing rumblings of the supplements saga. Earlier in the week, Jobe Watson had appeared on On The Couch and admitted to taking the supplement known as AOD-9604. To many, including thousands who attended the Thursday night match, this made Jobe Watson public enemy number one.
West Coast were having a middling season, sitting 10th on the ladder.
Why it’s on the list / key moments
The fortitude of Jobe Watson was inspiring. The Bomber captain was booed relentlessly all night but put in a best-on-ground performance with 29 disposals, 7 clearances and 2 goals.
Essendon fought back from a 23-point deficit late in the 3rd quarter to win a thriller.
Jason Winderlich played a key part in a handful of Essendon goals, kicking 3 himself.
Jake Carlisle gave his side a sniff just before 3QT when he intercepted an Eagles kick deep in the forward pocket before kicking a tricky snap through for a goal.
Midway through the 4th quarter, Essendon cult figure of the time, Nick Kommer, desperately chased down two 50-50 balls against two Eagles defenders, one after another. Somehow Kommer managed to get a boot on the ball each time before he earned a downfield freekick for receiving high contact. Alwyn Davey took the kick and converted to make the margin 6 points.
New recruit and eventual 2013 Crichton medalist, Brendan Goddard, won a free kick and took a set shot from 45m out on a difficult angle. The kick split the middle and suddenly the Bombers were in front by a point.
The Eagles had a 6-point lead with 3 minutes on the clock. On the wing, David Myers marked a fortuitous kick off the side of the boot from Michael Hurley. Myers drilled his pass like a bullet to find Jake Carlisle about 50m out, close to the boundary. Carlisle kicked an absolute peach of a set shot to tie the scores.
A Jake Melksham behind had put Essendon in front. The Bombers worked their way inside 50 for one final attack. The ball spilled out of the pack into the path of Dyson Heppell, who hunted the footy and kicked a low grubber of a kick through for the sealer. The Bombers were happy about it in the rooms afterwards, with almost all staff members included in the belting out of the club song.
Essendon won their next 3 games to set up a 1st vs 2nd clash with Hawthorn at Docklands stadium? Unfortunately, it kickstarted a sad end to a difficult season, with the Bombers going down by 56 points.
West Coast finished 13th on the ladder which resulted in the resignation of their coach, John Worsfold.
Was this the one where the Port player clear as day had prior opportunity, took on the tackler & dropped the ball right in front of our goal? It was as bad a call as you can get & I remember screaming at the TV. Then from memory the ball fell free & we kicked the goal anyways. Have I got the right memory?
