With tensions high midway through a remarkably challenging season for Essendon, the Bombers headed west for an enormous clash with West Coast in round 14, 2013.
Inspirational skipper Jobe Watson was in the crosshairs of an unrelenting home crowd in Perth, but the brilliant midfielder responded in incredible fashion as he led the Dons to one of the most memorable victories of the decade.
While the Eagles kicked off the scoring just two minutes into the game through a goal to prolific forward Josh Kennedy, it was the Bombers who did the most damage early, booting four quick goals in reply.
But the Eagles right in the contest and fought back strongly to drag the margin back to three points at quarter-time before narrowly taking control of the contest in the second quarter to lead by three points at half-time and set up what would be a classic half of brutal football.
A pair of West Coast goals early in the third quarter had the Bombers quickly in trouble and four more goals apiece saw the Bombers enter three-quarter time 17 points adrift of the home side.
It was that man again. Jobe Watson. Just a minute into the last term he made it two goals in a 10-minute period on either side of the final change to a mixed chorus of blue, white and gold boos, and red and black cheers. And this one was a real team-lifter.
Now in with a genuine chance to fly home victorious, Essendon piled on the pressure. Entry after entry the Dons peppered West Coast’s defence and a Brendon Goddard goal reclaimed the lead 14 minutes into the quarter.
Ten tense minutes followed as the Eagles swung the game back into their favour before a stunning set shot from deep in the right forward flank from versatile Bomber Jake Carlisle with two minutes remaining set up one of the decade’s great finishes.
Scores were level and the footy was red-hot as players crashed in from all angles to lift their side over the line. Surprise surprise, some more magic from Watson as he knocked the ball into space for Jake Melksham to kick a crucial behind.
At their stingy best, the Bombers defended brilliantly to work their way back into the forward line before Dyson Heppell put the result well beyond doubt with a cracking, determined goal in front of the travelling fans with a second remaining.
Not one to be out of the action, Watson was there again to embrace his future captain in celebration.
Fittingly, the powerful onballer claimed the maximum Brownlow votes for his enormous performance racking up 29 disposals, 10 contested possessions, eight inside 50, seven clearances and two goals.
WEST COAST 3.4 6.6 12.10 13.13 (91)
ESSENDON 4.1 6.3 10.5 15.8 (98)
GOALS
West Coast: Darling 3, LeCras 3, Dalziell 2, Kennedy 2, Cox, Kerr, Priddis
Essendon: Winderlich 3, Carlisle 2, Davey 2, Watson 2, Crameri, Dempsey, Goddard, Heppell, Merrett, Ryder
