Saturday night’s Round 10 clash against Geelong at Etihad Stadium set the scene for one of the James Hird Academy’s premier events on the calendar, the annual Guard of Honour game.
Now in its fourth year, the Guard of Honour game is a chance for former Essendon greats to come together to reminisce about past glory, while their children - perhaps the next fleet of Baby Bombers- take to the field to form a Guard of Honour to cheer on the senior team as they run through the banner.
This year, a host of famous names such as Hird, Lloyd, Ramanauskas, Daniher, Misiti, Bewick, Johnson, Alessio, Hamilton and McPhee were present and eager to represent the Academy.
Prior to the opening bounce, a turnout of approximately 70 guests comprising former Bomber stars and their families, gathered in the Crest Room for a fun-filled pre-game function which included an interview conducted by Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell of the Academies most recent graduate Jake Long.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the exploits young Jacob Lloyd, son of former captain and dual Coleman Medalist, Matthew. As everyone formed two orderly lines for the Guard of Honour, two-year old Jacob broke away from the pack, running straight for goal-square at the Lloyd end of the ground much to the delight of the Essendon Cheer Squad.
The night was a great chance to continue to pay homage to former Essendon great Neale Daniher in his battle with MND with all participants in the Guard of Honour donning a Blue Beanie in support of the charity Cure For MND.
