Having never really seen an Essendon flag - barely remember 2000 - I keep finding myself wondering what it would be like. I’ve heard a lot of talk from the oldies around the traps about the outpouring of emotion after '84 after a average 15 years, but I’d hazard a guess and say the next one, whenever it comes, will be our sweetest of all time.
I can’t imagine how my nerves would be leading into even week 2 of the finals let alone a prelim or the big dance. As for game day all I can imagine is Judas Ryders one handed mark, snap from 45 and goal and the ensuing pandemonium x10. There will be tears and lots of hugging randoms I’m sure.
Anyway, interested to know how those of you who have been there before and those who haven’t envision it all going next time around. Whenever that may be.
Back in 2000 I went to every game I possibly could. After the disappointment of 99 and the run of wins we had in 2000 I wanted to live every moment, every minute we played. Funnily enough, one of the few games I did miss was the game against the Bulldogs.
As to the GF, it was over at half time. I knew it, and I just sat back and soaked it up. It was ■■■■■■ fantastic sitting up in the stands knowing we were going to raise the cup. After the game we filed down to the tennis centre where a function was on. I reckon we sang the club song about 50 times. John Barnes got the biggest roar from us in there when he got on stage, he’d been in losing grand finals with Geelong and finally got one and celebrated in style.
When we get there again I’ll do the same, live every moment of it I can. Only difference is this time I’ll do it with my kids.
