Why we will look back on August 16 2009 as the beginning.

[Boucks09]

It's still less than 24 hours after the game and I'm still buzzing around off virtually no sleep.

But this win was different to all the rest.

- Round 3 over Carlton was a win for emotion and an early season statement
- ANZAC Day was a win from the clouds
- Round 13 over Carlton was a thumping of a hated rival

But this win is the foundation of our next period of sustained success.

Take all the emotion out of the fact that we are the only side to beat St.Kilda this year and stop their streak one less than ours set in 2000, and this win is something that many an Essendon fan will look back upon and view as the beginning of our premiership tilt.

Here's why:

- The Lloyd, Lucas and Fletcher myth is well and truley removed. We had 1 1/2 quarters out of all three for the entire game

- When the game was in the balance we had our 4th option ruckman play the entire last quarter unchanged against two Premiership ruckman

- We found the next captain of the EFC. Enter Jobe Watson

- We played the way WE WANTED TO PLAY against arguably the best defensively structured side of the modern era

- We lost 3 players to injury to have only 1 fit player avaiable on the bench

- We had two 19 year olds playing on the best forward combination in the competition

- It was NOT our senior players who stepped up when it mattered most. It was the U25's

- We were mentally strong enough to continue to take the game on until we could run no more

- We played with the following blokes having very little AFL experience:

- Atkinson 7 games (and was playing VFL reserves 6 weeks ago)
- Bellchambers 8 games
- Hurley 7 games
- Quinn 4 games

Wins like this set up clubs for sustained periods of success. Whilst I acknowledge that our problem has been consistency, that is something that comes with experience and maturity and will come naturally. The ability to play to a level that we have at times this year is not something that every club can expect to happen.

Next year we will have our side improved with:

- 3 Top 10 draft picks (Gumbleton, Myers and 09 pick)
- A top 3 ruckman in the AFL (Hille)

Regardless of our finish this year, the door is open, the Bombers are back and it's going to be one hell of a ****EN ride over the next few years.

[Godzke]

You left out the fact we beat a team who mauled us this time last year, which resulted in the speech Mcveigh gave (cbf'd finding youtube link).

That speech is meant to be the catalyst for where we want to go so yesterday's win was a testimony to that.

Also, what's happening with Myers??? Completely forgot about him.

[danzan22]

Also, what's happening with Myers??? Completely forgot about him.
Suffering a bit of ankle trouble last i heard.

[Paddywhackers]

You need to look at your win with a bit more perspective. The Saints were obviously flat, against a side that played at 100 per cent. They have been the best side all year, but this was by far and away their worst performance, and hopefully a sing of things to come.

You guys did lose three guys, one late in the third, one in the last, and Watson will be captain and Hurley and Pears look good.

I don't buy this nonsence about what happened in Round 3, Round 5 or Round 13 is any different to this win. Essendon supporters always seem to expect that they will be top four without a rational view of where your list is truelly at.

FWIW, you'd better hope and pray that Gumbleton isn't another Rusling, and that Neagle can somehow become the player that you hope, which would be extremely unlikely, otherwise you need to find some KPF's and they take time to develop.

In 2011, if things go well than you maybe a genuine chance.

It would seem at this point in time, that Myers may well not make it. He is no cerainty to make it, given he went pick 6, so not sure why Essendon supporters have rattled of his name. On top of that, who's to say that who you get in this draft will be any good, given it is a weak one? And can you keep up with the sides that are also challenging? How will you keep up with Adelaide who have genuine tall KPF's lining up to become future stars or Collingwood, who have nailed the superdraft? There is a long long long way to go before Essendon are considered contenders and you need to fill in the obvious deficiencies for that to be the case.

It was one win against a very good side who had a very bad day all things considered, Essendon are climbing but they were deluded as to where they were at under Sheedy and the climb was bordering on a trek up Mt Everest. There will be stumbles and falls along they way, and that is if you will ever get there in five years, which would probably be unlikely.

[beev]

Also, what's happening with Myers??? Completely forgot about him.

Out for 2-4 weeks with an ankle injury

[Skeeta Olly]

Yea








No. I'm not buying the "win didn't win it, they lost it".

[bomberbilly]

wow! a collingwood supporter trying to talk down our win and future prospects.....he probably had us as his favourite for wooden spo:thumbsu:on.

[stay true]

Trust Paddywackers to take a dump on our parade. So what's that, our 9th win where the opposition lost it rather than us winning it?

[essendon2008]

You need to look at your win with a bit more perspective. The Saints were obviously flat, against a side that played at 100 per cent. They have been the best side all year, but this was by far and away their worst performance, and hopefully a sing of things to come.

St Kilda have been amazing this year, flat or not they have been the best team. You can only beat the team you are playing and if you are playing the best team and win i would say that is a great effort.

You guys did lose three guys, one late in the third, one in the last, and Watson will be captain and Hurley and Pears look good.

This is not to be underestimated. Hurley was looking good up forward early on and when Fletcher was injured he had to move down back so we lost a target for the rest of the game. To lose Fletcher is a big loss. He is a very important player for us.

I don't buy this nonsence about what happened in Round 3, Round 5 or Round 13 is any different to this win. Essendon supporters always seem to expect that they will be top four without a rational view of where your list is truelly at.

Massive generalisation. If you are trying to make a good argument, whether on BigFooty or real life, generalisations are a no-no. I personally thought we would finish mid range this year, with a hope of finals. Many Essendon supporters did not think we were a top 4 side at the start of the year.

FWIW, you'd better hope and pray that Gumbleton isn't another Rusling, and that Neagle can somehow become the player that you hope, which would be extremely unlikely, otherwise you need to find some KPF's and they take time to develop.

True, but the same can be said about any club. What if this and what if that. The fact is we have two promising KPF's and if they fail then we need to look at others. Don't forget there are many other players on the list that are being developed for KP spots, at both end of the ground. We are developing now with the likes of Daniher, Still, etc.

In 2011, if things go well than you maybe a genuine chance.

Let's hope so. But really who would know for sure. Anything can happen in footy.

It would seem at this point in time, that Myers may well not make it. He is no cerainty to make it, given he went pick 6, so not sure why Essendon supporters have rattled of his name. On top of that, who's to say that who you get in this draft will be any good, given it is a weak one? And can you keep up with the sides that are also challenging? How will you keep up with Adelaide who have genuine tall KPF's lining up to become future stars or Collingwood, who have nailed the superdraft? There is a long long long way to go before Essendon are considered contenders and you need to fill in the obvious deficiencies for that to be the case.

There is certainly no guarantee with Myers, but i feel we have a lot of other good youngsters and middle aged players around too.

It was one win against a very good side who had a very bad day all things considered, Essendon are climbing but they were deluded as to where they were at under Sheedy and the climb was bordering on a trek up Mt Everest. There will be stumbles and falls along they way, and that is if you will ever get there in five years, which would probably be unlikely.

Do not take anything away from Essendon. They beat the undefeated side. They looked flat? You would call the first half of the first quarter flat? Come on, they looked flat after that peroid for a while because Essendon put the pressure on. Give credit where it is due.

Of course there will be stumbles and fall but the great thing is to say to doubters "Look at that, we did it and you said we couldn't" when we become successful.

I believe we have as good a chance as any in the next five years. For you to say it is "probably unlikely" is very harsh. The culture at the club is great now (not that it ever was bad), and the game style is exciting. It needs work but that will come. Just look at the improvement from last year.

[Ben the Gooner]

Paddywackers, do you remember this?

D0YGJwpApso

It's a mark ... to Zaharakis. Zaharakis ... has kicked ... A GOAL! ... THE BOMBERS ARE IN FRONT AT THE 'G!

[retroparty]

I still think round 3 was the beginning.

No-one rated us at all. The players and the coach weren't having any of it and pulled off a magnificent win against the old foe. From then on, the team has wanted to make the finals, and given the fans belief that they can actually make it. Sure, we've had our ups and downs since then, but this definitely the climax of the season, and confirmation that Essendon will be a great side for many years to come.

[Skeeta Olly]

Thread ruined.

I propose a new one for such a great post from Boucks.

[Boucks09]

You need to look at your win with a bit more perspective. The Saints were obviously flat, against a side that played at 100 per cent. They have been the best side all year, but this was by far and away their worst performance, and hopefully a sing of things to come.

You guys did lose three guys, one late in the third, one in the last, and Watson will be captain and Hurley and Pears look good.

I don't buy this nonsence about what happened in Round 3, Round 5 or Round 13 is any different to this win. Essendon supporters always seem to expect that they will be top four without a rational view of where your list is truelly at.

FWIW, you'd better hope and pray that Gumbleton isn't another Rusling, and that Neagle can somehow become the player that you hope, which would be extremely unlikely, otherwise you need to find some KPF's and they take time to develop.

In 2011, if things go well than you maybe a genuine chance.

It would seem at this point in time, that Myers may well not make it. He is no cerainty to make it, given he went pick 6, so not sure why Essendon supporters have rattled of his name. On top of that, who's to say that who you get in this draft will be any good, given it is a weak one? And can you keep up with the sides that are also challenging? How will you keep up with Adelaide who have genuine tall KPF's lining up to become future stars or Collingwood, who have nailed the superdraft? There is a long long long way to go before Essendon are considered contenders and you need to fill in the obvious deficiencies for that to be the case.

It was one win against a very good side who had a very bad day all things considered, Essendon are climbing but they were deluded as to where they were at under Sheedy and the climb was bordering on a trek up Mt Everest. There will be stumbles and falls along they way, and that is if you will ever get there in five years, which would probably be unlikely.

I take on board what you are saying mate, and at times I agree that Essendon supporters in general can get a little carried away with wins against big Victorian clubs.

A few things to note:

- St.Kilda started with 3 goals in 7 minutes and kept us to one goal until 2 minutes to go in the 1st quarter. Most times if sides are flat it is in the first quarter that the struggle and then work their way into the game.

- Agree with you in part about needing key forwards. However players have a habit or arriving when you least expect it. John Anthony is a good example at your club. We have a solid crop of KPF in Neagle, Gumbleton, Still with Ryder, Laycock and Hille all rotating down there. Add Daniher and Hurley who can play at either end and I would hope that a combination of those players would put us in good stead.

- Myers hasn't shown anything to suggest he will be a superstar yet but he is still finding his feet having grown significantly since joining the club. Winderlich was a first round draft pick that didn't hit his straps until he was 22-24 so Myers has plenty of time yet.

- Take your point on this seasons draft and the fact that there will be stumbles on the way. It could well start this week against Fremantle. My point is that we have now shown to ourselves more than anybody, that we have the ability and nucleaus of a side that can challenge for a premiership in the next 2-7 years.

[dave_27]

Essendon have 2 of the most promising young Key Position defenders in the comp and 1 of those isnt even Ryder. No club can boast that.

Never thought I'd be saying that 12 months ago when Mal, Fletch and Ryder were taking the big guns down back.

[Bombermania]

I actualy agree in part with the Collingwood supporter.

Yes we beat St Kilda, the top team on the ladder, i am sure back in 2000 many Western Bulldog supporters were thinking yeah we beat Essendon we will win a flag, guess what it has taken the Doggies a good nine years to be a top four team and they are still one maybe two players short of being flag favorites.

We need to remember that while it was a great win the fact remains this is the same Essendon that were beaten by North Melbourne, Richmond and Brisbane at the G.

Yes we are a top eight side but we are still a few levels behind the top four and while that include St Kilda, to win a flag you need to beat at least two of them.

yes we beat Collingwood but over the past few years we have been spliting our games with them and when they are switched on i don't believe we can beat them just as a switched on St Kilda should be too good.

I actually think last night St Kilda played safe, they seemed to not want to get hurt, it was clear that several Saints were thinking about the finals and therefore were not as intense as they should have been and we have shown that when given a inch we take a mile.

Don't get me wrong for last night was bloody great but guess what we are a good side, not a premiership side.

[GoldenboyHird_5]

As much as I don't like reading it, you make some valid points.

Once McVeigh, Welsh, Lovett and Hille go there will be a big hole left.

Neagle is still yet to complete a pre-season because of chronic ankle problems. Gumbleton, who knows? He's about as rare as a white rhino yet when we've seen him earlier in the year, he appeared to be slightly rigid in movement with an incapability of bending down enough. Although he has an excellent tank and excellent marking hands.

Houli? seems to be still learning the defensive game, has penetrating footskills yet watchers like ant suspect that he might not make it.
Dyson? has improved immensely but might not be anything more than very, very solid.
Stanton? one who can really improve and excel, yet lack of defensive running coupled with some ordinary decision making is worrying.
Jetta? looks unlikely atm. Would hope that he gets picked this week despite reports of a few quiet Bendigo games.
Zaharakis? Too early to call. Great thing is that he's shown signs of good footskills and decision making. Can kick goals too.
Prismall? Nearing that 24-26 age bracket where you expect severe improvement. Has been excellent considering his injury. Will wait until next year to judge.
Reimers? seems to be more of a wingman/flanker than in the guts. Should improve next year and find some consistency.

and

Myers: I personally think that he's the most important player, in terms of our future, of the UNKNOWN QUANTITES. Understand that he has struggled with injury this year, therefore leniency must be given. Yet, if he can prove the doubters wrong i.e. Paddywackers, kelvin s, he will prove to be our most valuable commodity.

[Macca18]

Paddywackers is an A-grade knob jockey.

We lose - we are hopeless.

We win - we're lucky and the other team were 'off'.

How would he have coped when we were regularly making finals and winning premierships? Just an 'off' season by the other 14/16 teams in the competition? Take whatever it says with a grain of salt...

Yesterday was a massive step in the right direction for the club with so many things going against us.

And as for GoldenboyHird_5, we're aware Essendon isn't perfect but stop fooling everybody with the fact you apparently 'support' Essendon. Are you yet to contribute one positive post about the club or its players on Bigfooty? I doubt it. Would love to know what your other alias is - do you actually support Carlton or Collingwood? Please let us know when you do.

[sen entertainment bloke]

Gotta have these wins and stop losing to the stuff below to have a re-birth.

[Bombermania]

Paddywackers is an A-grade knob jockey.

We lose - we are hopeless.

We win - we're lucky and the other team were 'off'.

How would he have coped when we were regularly making finals and winning premierships? Just an 'off' season by the other 14/16 teams in the competition. Take whatever it says with a grain of salt...

And as for GoldenboyHird_5, we're aware Essendon isn't perfect but stop fooling us with the fact you apparently 'support' Essendon. Are you yet to contribute one positive post regarding the club on Bigfooty? I doubt it. Would love to know what your other alias is - do you actually support Carlton or Collingwood? Please let us know when you do.

In all fairness Collingwood have had some fifty years of off seasons!

[GoldenboyHird_5]

As much as I don't like reading it, you make some valid points.

Once McVeigh, Welsh, Lovett and Hille go there will be a big hole left.

Neagle is still yet to complete a pre-season because of chronic ankle problems. Gumbleton, who knows? He's about as rare as a white rhino yet when we've seen him earlier in the year, he appeared to be slightly rigid in movement with an incapability of bending down enough. Although he has an excellent tank and excellent marking hands.

Houli? seems to be still learning the defensive game, has penetrating footskills yet watchers like ant suspect that he might not make it.
Dyson? has improved immensely but might not be anything more than very, very solid.
Stanton? one who can really improve and excel, yet lack of defensive running coupled with some ordinary decision making is worrying.
Jetta? looks unlikely atm. Would hope that he gets picked this week despite reports of a few quiet Bendigo games.
Zaharakis? Too early to call. Great thing is that he's shown signs of good footskills and decision making. Can kick goals too.
Prismall? Nearing that 24-26 age bracket where you expect severe improvement. Has been excellent considering his injury. Will wait until next year to judge.
Reimers? seems to be more of a wingman/flanker than in the guts. Should improve next year and find some consistency.

and

Myers: I personally think that he's the most important player, in terms of our future, of the UNKNOWN QUANTITES. Understand that he has struggled with injury this year, therefore leniency must be given. Yet, if he can prove the doubters wrong i.e. Paddywackers, kelvin s, he will prove to be our most valuable commodity.

:thumbsu: Macca

[The Dustbin]

You need to look at your win with a bit more perspective. The Saints were obviously flat, against a side that played at 100 per cent. They have been the best side all year, but this was by far and away their worst performance, and hopefully a sing of things to come.

Since when did you start making excuses for St Kilda? Sounds like you're shitting yourself cause you know we are returning to an onfield powerhouse.

Oh, St Kilda were so flat that they kicked the first 3 goals and the last 7 goals of the game. :rolleyes:


I don't buy this nonsence about what happened in Round 3, Round 5 or Round 13 is any different to this win. Essendon supporters always seem to expect that they will be top four without a rational view of where your list is truelly at.

Never knew you could buy nonsence. Coles? :confused::p

Essendon supporters expect and demand success. That's the culture of our great club. Our list is taking shape nicely. ;)

FWIW, you'd better hope and pray that Gumbleton isn't another Rusling, and that Neagle can somehow become the player that you hope, which would be extremely unlikely, otherwise you need to find some KPF's and they take time to develop.

What KPF's do Coll have? Dawes, Reid. :o

All Gumby needs is game time and Neagle needs a full pre season. Imagine Neagle after a injury free summer and Gumby with some games under his belt. Scary isn't it.

In 2011, if things go well than you maybe a genuine chance.

Um, 2010 comes before 2011.

It would seem at this point in time, that Myers may well not make it. He is no cerainty to make it, given he went pick 6, so not sure why Essendon supporters have rattled of his name. On top of that, who's to say that who you get in this draft will be any good, given it is a weak one? And can you keep up with the sides that are also challenging? How will you keep up with Adelaide who have genuine tall KPF's lining up to become future stars or Collingwood, who have nailed the superdraft? There is a long long long way to go before Essendon are considered contenders and you need to fill in the obvious deficiencies for that to be the case.

Nobody has said we're a contender.... yet. After reading that crap, I'm now convinced that you're shitting yourself over Essendon returning as a onfield powerhouse.

It was one win against a very good side who had a very bad day all things considered, Essendon are climbing but they were deluded as to where they were at under Sheedy and the climb was bordering on a trek up Mt Everest. There will be stumbles and falls along they way, and that is if you will ever get there in five years, which would probably be unlikely.

Ok, your're still not making sense. In a desperate move, you've referred back to Sheeds. :o

So you said if things go our way then maybe we'll be a chance in 2011, yet now you give us five years and probably unlikely. Oh dear. :o

[Boucks09]

I actualy agree in part with the Collingwood supporter.

Yes we beat St Kilda, the top team on the ladder, i am sure back in 2000 many Western Bulldog supporters were thinking yeah we beat Essendon we will win a flag, guess what it has taken the Doggies a good nine years to be a top four team and they are still one maybe two players short of being flag favorites.

It's a good comparison but there is a massive difference between the Doggies on 2000 and the Dons of 2009.

They played a style of play that was completely revolutionary and designed for one reason only. To stop Essendon winning that game. It is was and will never be a style of play that will deliver a side a premiership.

We played OUR game style, OUR way. We took the game on, played to our strengths and we had the personnel to show that when we play at our best, our style of play can beat anybody on any given day.

This win wasn't a fluke.

Don't get me wrong for last night was bloody great but guess what we are a good side, not a premiership side.

Absolutely agree with you. That is why I said that the door is open for us to challenge in the next 2-7 years.

As much as I don't like reading it, you make some valid points.

Once McVeigh, Welsh, Lovett and Hille go there will be a big hole left.

Completey disagree with you here.

Hille has not played all season.

McVeigh has been an average contributer this season at best and was not influential last night; ditto Welsh. I agree we will lose significant leadership when they go, but in the next few years they will be replaced with the likes of Stanton, Watson, Winderlich, Hocking as the senior core midfielders.

I agree in part about Lovett. He plays in a manner which is key to our game plan. But again he wasn't a major contributer last night and he is only 26.

The fact is that we don't rely on any single player apart from Jobe Watson at this stage. The issue will be whether the likes of Lonergan, Myers, Prismall, Hocking, Slattery can take the next step and become inside players in the coming years.

[GoldenboyHird_5]

hmm interesting observations.

Myers still remains as the big key here.

[Enki]

As much as I don't like reading it, you make some valid points.


I assume this is referring to the OP?

[Paddywhackers]

Since when did you start making excuses for St Kilda? Sounds like you're shitting yourself cause you know we are returning to an onfield powerhouse.
o

Pies are $4.50 for the flag. Bombers are $151. Pies have a younger side than the Bombers. I dare say I am not too concerned with the Bombers at this moment in time.

[footycool]

Pies are $4.50 for the flag. Bombers are $151. Pies have a younger side than the Bombers. I dare say I am not too concerned with the Bombers at this moment in time.
We did beat you on ANZAC day and if we were to play you in finals you would be worried, dont kid yourself

[Macca18]

Pies are $4.50 for the flag. Bombers are $151. Pies have a younger side than the Bombers. I dare say I am not too concerned with the Bombers at this moment in time.

LOL. Because premiership odds are really relevant to a teams potential success in the future. Geelong were paying $2 this time last year to win the flag - great lot of good that did! The fact you're paying $4.50 to win the premiership in 2009 doesn't make you certainties by any stretch of the imagination or prove you have a better longer term future.

Nobody was/is dumb enough to assume Essendon was ever going to win a premiership in 2009. Both lists are at different stages of development and to make the finals this year is probably as good as EFC could hope for. Your comments are totally flawed, as usual.

Pies have a younger side than the Bombers?

Source: http://afl.allthestats.com/teams/teamlistavgs.php

Really? Take a look at that. Doesn't look like that way to me. Essendon's list is actually younger.

And as for the teams that played on the weekend -

Essendon - (average age: 23yrs 332days)
Source: http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/games/2009/051520090816.html

Collingwood - (average age: 24yrs 259days)
Source: http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/games/2009/041420090815.html

[Godzke]

Average age doesn't mean anything until you weight the age of the player relative to the games they've played. CBF'd doing that, and quite frankly, I don't see Collingwood playing any more youngsters than us. Not suggesting they're playing much less ... but they're not a younger team.

[The Dustbin]

LOL @ Paddywanker. :o

[docko911]

I've been watching Essendon a fair bit over the last couple of years and i think they have a very effective gameplan when executed. I don't want to sound like someone saying i told you so but i knew if anyone could beat st kilda other than geelong it would be essendon why???
Essendon play pure football none of this tactical crap that is boring to watch. They play fast agressive play on at all cost football...the way football should be played.
Why did they beat St kilda??
because their game is all based around pressure but if you refuse to hold up the game and play kick to kick then the pressure doesn't change. So in other words the fast paced essendon gameplan is the way to beat st kilda who aren't as good as everyone think they just have a gameplan that can beat most others.
As for essendons future ....there definately is one!

[Bombermania]

I've been watching Essendon a fair bit over the last couple of years and i think they have a very effective gameplan when executed. I don't want to sound like someone saying i told you so but i knew if anyone could beat st kilda other than geelong it would be essendon why???
Essendon play pure football none of this tactical crap that is boring to watch. They play fast agressive play on at all cost football...the way football should be played.
Why did they beat St kilda??
because their game is all based around pressure but if you refuse to hold up the game and play kick to kick then the pressure doesn't change. So in other words the fast paced essendon gameplan is the way to beat st kilda who aren't as good as everyone think they just have a gameplan that can beat most others.
As for essendons future ....there definately is one!


I guess a bit like in the last term when Essendon due to injuries started to chip the ball around it played into St Kilda's hands a little.

There were three occasions in the last quarter when Essendon over used the handball or went for short kicks in the back line that nearly cost them the game.

But this is why i still think we are a little way behind the top four for we should be moving the ball from the backline more effectively then we sometimes do.

[amer]

Just thought I'd swing by to have a look at some of the celebratory topics and posts on here. You should always try to have some perspective with these wins but when they actually happen it's not easy to sit there expressionless. :D

For what it's worth (and please don't bash me for saying this) I don't personally see genuine premiership potential in the nucleus building at Essendon. Ryder is top shelf, he'll continue to develop and become a super player, but from the outside looking in there look to be too many holes up forward and through the midfield.

As an experiment a while back I decided to put what I believed could be Adelaide's next premiership 22 together; to me it looked okay. If you guys were to put such a 22 together, what would it look like?

[Bombermania]

Just thought I'd swing by to have a look at some of the celebratory topics and posts on here. You should always try to have some perspective with these wins but when they actually happen it's not easy to sit there expressionless. :D

For what it's worth (and please don't bash me for saying this) I don't personally see genuine premiership potential in the nucleus building at Essendon. Ryder is top shelf, he'll continue to develop and become a super player, but from the outside looking in there look to be too many holes up forward and through the midfield.

As an experiment a while back I decided to put what I believed could be Adelaide's next premiership 22 together; to me it looked okay. If you guys were to put such a 22 together, what would it look like?


I disagree with you regarding the midfield for it is fast and next year Prismall will be a better player, Watson is improving to the point now that i don't get nervious when he goes to kick the ball and the ruck compo of Hillie and Ryder will cause teams headaches next season.

But i do agree with you regarding the forward line that at times lacks clear direction and someone needs to start to own the forward fifty, in all fairness Monfries has started to become dangerous and Hurley can go forward.

Neagle is at the crossraods but has shown potential and we are yet to see what Gumbledon can do, also Lloyd still has one to three years left

[Nicko_]

- We had two 19 year olds playing on the best forward combination in the competition



My favorite part. Our defence was held together by the two youngest guys on the field. :D

[daffo]

I have been singing Pears praises all year and now Hurley is starting to look the goods. These two will be future stars. I don't know if we will limit Hurley to the backline, if we can find a different FB I would love to see him play forward.

[Valve Bounce]

You left out the fact we beat a team who mauled us this time last year, which resulted in the speech Mcveigh gave (cbf'd finding youtube link).

That speech is meant to be the catalyst for where we want to go so yesterday's win was a testimony to that.

.

This is not the beginning - it is the "End of The Beginning".
The team has finally reached the stage where it not only took on the "unbeaten" team that Vlad was going to have his big celebration for, but it made them look ordinary. And when the chips were well and truly down with injuries to three vital players, they held on staunchly for a well deserved win.

Essendon can look back with pride at the manner that it beat overwhelming odds, and never gave in. Many will look back at this Glorious Day and wonder "where was I when it happened"!

I was in Section 9 at Docklands Stadium, and I yelled my lungs out!!

[Valve Bounce]

...............and for all the Essendon fans who were there, watched it on TV or just listened on the radio, never have so many owed so much to so few. Our cup truly runneth over!

[SDR223]

Pies are $4.50 for the flag. Bombers are $151. Pies have a younger side than the Bombers. I dare say I am not too concerned with the Bombers at this moment in time.

Good luck to the Pies - They are playing some great football at the moment. Who can predict what happends in 2 or 3 years time though.

Not sure many people rated Collingwoods list all that highly a few years back. There were huge doubts about the Pies when Wakelin and Burns retired. Nobody thought much of players such as Davis, Maxwell, Anthony, O'Brien, Wood etc a year or two ago either.

Good teams develop their players and Essendon is doing that at the moment and this can only be a good thing for the future.

I hope for your sake the Pies can continue their form but I've got a feeling that come finals time the good old Colliwobbles might emerge again.

[Valve Bounce]

Pies are $4.50 for the flag. Bombers are $151. Pies have a younger side than the Bombers. I dare say I am not too concerned with the Bombers at this moment in time.

I think St Kilda's fans were not too concerned with the Bombers last week either; and neither was Vlad who was planning a big party to celebrate St Kilda's miraculous achievement of going through the season undefeated. :D