Public Interest
Rookie
Dropped into WindyHill last Friday night to catch up with some locals. Not sure whether the TV was on Foxtel or if it was an inhouse tribute to Sheeds, but the 1984 GF was screening.
When Leon Baker did that blind turn & kicked that goal, well the local punters roared as if the result was still in doubt - spine tingling stuff, & I'm not exagerating when I say I saw more than 1 pair of moist eyes in the room.
I was thinking later that Essendon the suburb is fortunate to still have a tangible link to it's football club, something that has been taken away from other Victorian clubs in the cold professional requirements of a national league.
While the days of Mark Harvey, Mark Thompson etc. growing up in the neighbourhood & been assured of representing Essendon are long gone (regrettably), at least many of the local heroes remain in the locality, at least 2 ex premiership players were enjoying a convivial the other night. Hard to imagine Michael Roach or David Cloke popping "up the road" for a quiet one at Punt Rd, likewise Maclure & Buckley at Carlton.
The way the clubs history is preserved at it's spiritual home via the hall of fame & the memorabilia is a credit to the club. You don't have to like Essendon, but you have to respect them. Hope you read this Eddie.
When Leon Baker did that blind turn & kicked that goal, well the local punters roared as if the result was still in doubt - spine tingling stuff, & I'm not exagerating when I say I saw more than 1 pair of moist eyes in the room.
I was thinking later that Essendon the suburb is fortunate to still have a tangible link to it's football club, something that has been taken away from other Victorian clubs in the cold professional requirements of a national league.
While the days of Mark Harvey, Mark Thompson etc. growing up in the neighbourhood & been assured of representing Essendon are long gone (regrettably), at least many of the local heroes remain in the locality, at least 2 ex premiership players were enjoying a convivial the other night. Hard to imagine Michael Roach or David Cloke popping "up the road" for a quiet one at Punt Rd, likewise Maclure & Buckley at Carlton.
The way the clubs history is preserved at it's spiritual home via the hall of fame & the memorabilia is a credit to the club. You don't have to like Essendon, but you have to respect them. Hope you read this Eddie.
