Paul Salmon received a standing ovation from the Bomber faithful when leaving the ground during the final quarter of the Elimination final against West Coast. It was the first final Salmon had played for the Bombers since the 1995 Semi final, that Essendon lost to Richmond. Also in that side was Dustin Fletcher, James Hird, Steve Alessio, Matthew Lloyd, Joe Misiti and Mark Mercuri. The Essendon reserves defeated Footscray prior to the senior match, which Blake Caracella, Scott Lucas, Gary Moorcroft and Justin Blumfield played in.

Salmon's finals career stretches further back than his 206cm height. He played in the1983 reserves premiership in the ruck alongside Kevin Morris, Ron Andrews, Mark Thompson and Peter Banfield. He was a member of the 1985 senior premiership side and also played in 1985 reserves elimination side (v Geelong). The seniors earned the week off for finishing in top spot and Salmon played because he met reserves games qualification. He also had some well-known teammates that day. Dean Bailey, Bill Duckworth, Rene Kink and Gary O'Donnell.

Paul Salmon will play in his18th final this Friday night when the Bombers take on Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. The Bomber faithful are hoping he can repeat his performance from last week. The 37-year-old gave Essendon first use of the ball at stoppages, which will be the key to beating Port Adelaide. Salmon is never going to leave the ground with impressive statistics, however you can’t put a value on the work he does around the ground – running to the right spots, giving the team first use of the ball, positioning his body in one on one contests – work that isn’t always reflected in match statistics.