This moment is the 23rd of a virtual series presenting the Bombers' best 30 moments over 150 years, which fans can vote on for their chance to win prizes. Click here to view and vote, and see the schedule and prizes below.
Essendon’s 1993 season was expected to be a rebuilding year; blood a bunch of kids and expose them to the heat of AFL level, ride the highs and lows, all with the intention of setting a platform for the years ahead. However, no one showed the script to James Hird, Mark Mercuri, Dustin Fletcher, Rick Olarenshaw, David Calthorpe, Joe Misiti or Paul Hills. The 'Baby Bombers' shocked everyone with their rapid development and, by mid-season, Kevin Sheedy’s team were on the cusp of the top six.
In round 16, reigning premier West Coast travelled to the MCG to try and consolidate its finals position; the Eagles were sixth, the Bombers seventh, in what was a critical game in both clubs’ campaigns.
The Eagles started better, leading by 14 points at quarter-time and still 11 points at the half. But a five-goal-to-two third quarter saw the Bombers take a 13-point lead into three-quarter time. As expected, West Coast came hard in the last term to regain the lead. Essendon’s season was now precariously balanced on a cliff edge, and, with champion full-forward Paul Salmon having a wayward day in front of goal, the 44,507 spectators - mostly wearing red and black - were praying for a hero to emerge.
As if scripted by the football gods, the spotlight again turned to Salmon, who had managed just three behinds for the day, as the clock ticked down to 90 seconds. Leading for the ball, Salmon had his guernsey tugged by Eagles defender Glen Jakovich, the umpire blew his whistle, and the 'Big Fish' lined up from 40 metres out, directly in front.
Sheedy could barely sit still in the coach’s box, but Salmon coolly slotted the goal to put his team two points ahead. Just 34 seconds remained on the clock as Olarenshaw and veteran Tim Watson won the crucial centre clearance. Their teammates then willed themselves to every contest, ensuring West Coast couldn’t go into attack one last time.
Drew Morphett was commentating for Channel 7 as the siren rung out around the MCG: “Misiti for the Bombers, the handpass to [Sean] Denham, now to [Mark] Harvey. The Bombers have got it. Time out. The siren sounds. Oh, what a game! Essendon are back in the six. Paul Salmon kicked his only goal in the last minute to win the game. Look at Kevin Sheedy! I have never seen Sheedy like that, except for those premierships in the eighties!”
Sheedy had just emerged from a group hug in the coach’s box, where, with his red and black jacket in hand, he swung the windbreaker wildly above his head, as if his body was uncontrollably acting out two hours of pent-up anxiety. The moment remains, surely, the most iconic post-game celebratory demonstration in the club’s rich history; perhaps in VFL/AFL history. It began what quickly became a tradition after every Essendon-West Coast game, where the supporters of the winning side feverishly wave their scarves or jackets above their heads, creating a sea of swirling colour.
Not everyone enjoyed it, though. After the game, which ultimately catapulted Essendon to a famous premiership, Sheedy’s mother, Irene, phoned him. “I thought Mum was ringing to congratulate me on the win,” he later explained. “Instead she said, ‘Kevin, I’d just like to remind you that there’s an idiot born every day.’”
SCHEDULE OF MOMENTS
Round 1 (launching May 6) - 1872-1939
Round 2 (launching May 10) - 1940-1959
Round 3 (launching May 15) - 1960-1979
Round 4 (launching May 20) - 1980-1989
Round 5 (launching May 25) - 1990-1999
Round 6 (launching May 30) - 2000-2021
Round 7 (launching June 4) - Finals round
PRIZES
Round 1 – One 2022 merchandise pack, including an Essendon New Era Black on Black 9FORTY Snapback cap ($40) and an Essendon Heritage Bar Scarf ($30)
Round 2 – One Essendon Fibre of Football Scarf ($80)
Round 3 - One Essendon Football Club 150-year anniversary commemorative mosaic ($295)
Round 4 – One Essendon Football Club 150-year anniversary commemorative mosaic ($295)
Round 5 – One 2022 team-signed guernsey ($500)
Round 6 – One copy of the Red & Black Collection special 150th anniversary book ($329)
Round 7 – One copy of the Red & Black Collection special 150th anniversary book ($329) and one 2022 team-signed guernsey ($500)
