Every Grand Final has its hard luck story. 

In 1984, it was Essendon’s second-year sensation Paul Salmon, who missed the club’s breakthrough Premiership after a knee reconstruction midway through a season he had been dominating with 63 goals from 13 games. 

Salmon would get his taste of glory in the Dons’ 1985 Premiership side, but after enduring defeat at the hands of rivals Collingwood in the 1990 Grand Final, the key forward knew he wasn’t going to leave anything to chance in claiming another flag. 

After finishing on top of the ladder in 1993 with an emerging young side dubbed the ‘Baby Bombers’, Salmon would once again find himself heading into September with a serious chance to go all the way.  

Speaking to Essendon FC ahead of the 30-year reunion of the 1993 Premiership, Salmon reflected fondly on the side’s growing self-belief throughout that famous season. 

“The finals came upon us, and we were building some real momentum. I went into that (series) pretty confident,” Salmon said. 

“September was joy, we were there, and we believed in ourselves. At that point, it was going to take a lot to stop us.”  

The first finals task for the Bombers would come against Carlton, a heavily anticipated matchup after the sides had played out a pulsating draw earlier in the season. 

The Dons would ultimately lose in the AFL’s first-ever night final by two points, but equipped with the double chance, Salmon was unwavering in his confidence. 

“It wasn’t a loss that suggested we were in trouble that September. The general sense in that post-match was that we’re in this (and) if we get another crack at Carlton, we can get them,” Salmon said. 

“There was a real belief in that side at that time that the Premiership is there for us if we really want it.”  

After progressing through West Coast and producing a stirring 42-point comeback to down Adelaide in the Preliminary Final, the Dons once again found themselves ready to take on Carlton, this time on the biggest stage – the Grand Final. 

Ahead of Grand Final week, players are often told to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the opportunity ahead of them. 

For Salmon however, the week was almost defined once again by the fear of missing out through injury, if not for his determination. 

“I remember going into hospital on the Wednesday (of Grand Final week) to have an epidural in my back, so I couldn’t make training. Whether I was going to play or not was still in doubt,” Salmon said.  

“I can’t regale you with stories about the buzz amongst the boys, I just remember it was (all about being) locked in, I need to be out there, I want to be out there.”  

With Salmon eventually declared fit to play, the focus shifted back to the challenge ahead for the youthful Dons, with their biggest day just hours away. 

For Salmon, the Grand Final also presented an opportunity to make amends on a personal note, looking to take more control over his game.   

“I stayed in the forward line (in the 1990 Grand Final) and didn’t assert myself on the game. I made personal promises to myself to mature as a footballer and identify opportunities in games to make my presence felt,” Salmon said. 

“If you’re not ready to go for Grand Final Day, then I doubt you’re ever ready to play.” 

On the day, Salmon proved to be a force that Carlton couldn’t handle. 

Booting six goals on the way to a 44-point victory, Salmon had made good on his promises as Essendon secured its 15th Premiership, tying them with the Blues as the AFL’s winningest club. 

Many considered the ‘Baby Bombers’ Premiership heroics improbable, given the relative inexperience of its core group of players, but for Salmon it was simply a reward for the team’s belief. 

“It was certainly a surprise Premiership, no one can deny that. But in that year, we were the best team and we proved it,” Salmon said. 

“We beat the best sides to get there, and there was no one in our way of that Premiership that we didn’t feel we could take on any given day.” 

After eight years between Premierships, Salmon used the 1993 season as a platform to take in the experience and enjoy the ride during the finals run.  

With Salmon having been in the system for a decade and serving as a leader within the group, his experience provided some welcome perspective in high-pressure moments. 

“Maybe it was just my years, but I felt I was enjoying it more,” Salmon said. 

“I’d experienced the stress of watching that (1990 Grand Final) just leave us against Collingwood. Three years later, I was in a mood to, when the opportunity presented itself, really take this in and remember it for what it was – a very unique Premiership.” 

Reflecting on his emotions towards the memories made with that team after 30 years, Salmon believes the relationships are what sticks out the most.  

“The emotions that sit behind 1993, 30 years later, are very real. I don’t know if too many teams in the history of our amazing game can lay claim to having such an eclectic mix of personalities, characters, and pull off a Premiership like we did,” Salmon said. 

“Sitting here today, I still respect that year for what it was and the role we all played. I smile every time I think of it, I just can’t help but smile about 1993.”