1983 Grand Final

[Marstermind]

Firstly, although I'm not an Essendon supporter please don't take this as a troll.

What I am is a passionate football supporter and follower of the history of the game. I have a good reputation for this on the North board and my nick comes from my appearance and success in winning the 2004 Marstermind segment on the Footy Show.

I have been to all Grand Finals since 1983, have all Grand Finals Records from 1965 and all GFs from 1965 on tape and every now and again (to the annoyance of my wife) I go through them. Currently I'm up to the 1983 Grand Final between Hawthorn and Essendon. What I'm asking is any anecdotes or recollections from the day that you might have simply for my edification. I don't plan to publish anything so feel free to say what you remember from the day. If I get some good stuff I'll be asking again when I get to 1984 (and '85, '90, '93, 2000 and 2001). A similar request is on the Hawthorn site.

Sorry to start with a day that, to put it lightly, wasn't all that most Bomber fans would hope it would be. (Although I confess I was hoping the Hawks would win that day after the flogging you gave us in the PF). However, it was the first GF I ever saw. I'll get to better days for you guys soon.

Cheers
Marstermind.

 

[Shane Hird]

It was a terrible day for a 13 year old bomber fan I can tell you that much.

I coudn't really tell you much about the actual game because its sort of erased from my memory.

But I do remember feeling before the match,that we were not really expected to win and Hawforn were favs to pump us,but after the game there was an instant feeling of it will be our turn next year.

We had just gone through a very long dry spell of GF appearances and just getting there was a great effort for this young team and the EFC fans.

Hawthorn were ruthless that day. Sheedy must have drilled it into them over summer,that to win the flag in 84',we would have to even better than that great HFC side in 83'..and we did..for the next 2 years

 

[danzan22]

Can we skip to 84

 

[danielcan]

1983? That is a terrible memory to dredge up on this board.

 

[junction oval]

I am a Fitzroy supporter, and went to the game (I actually worked there selling pies).

Recollections of the game were that prior to the game Glenn Shorrock from LRB got everyone in the crowd to sing "Australia 2, we're with you" to encourage the Australian Americas Cup challengers...

Apart from that all I remeber was that Hawthorn were ruthless, and I couldn't help think that if the Roys had have beaten them in the Qualifying Final it could have been us, as we had a terrific side in 1983.

I also sold a hell of a lot of pies that day too...might have had something to do with my selling pitch.."hot pies, full of flies, maggots in the corners...."...at least people noticed I was there....

 

[Grey Smith Bar]

I was 7 years old - dad had organised a ticket for me but I couldn't go cos I had chickenpox.

Dad was home before the final siren!

 

[Shane Hird]

83' is what made winning in 84' so god damned sensational...and so emotional


The EFC had just gone through 18 odd years in the outer without a flag and the older fans that day were crying tears of joy. Younger ones like me just couldn't believe how good we were...much like maybe how teenage bomber fans felt about the 2000 season.

1985 was like a footy barrackers dream....the ultimate dream team...

 

[Crave]

83' is what made winning in 84' so god damned sensational...and so emotional


The EFC had just gone through 18 odd years in the outer without a flag and the older fans that day were crying tears of joy. Younger ones like me just couldn't believe how good we were...much like maybe how teenage bomber fans felt about the 2000 season.

1985 was like a footy barrackers dream....the ultimate dream team...

Spot on!!