It’s been over 25 years since Essendon travelled down the highway to play in Geelong, but the Bombers are finally set to return to Kardinia Park on Thursday night.
It was round 21 in 1993, just over a month before one of the club’s most famous premiership victories.
The Baby Bombers – young, enthusiastic and immensely talented. James Hird (20 years old), Dustin Fletcher (18), Gavin Wanganeen (20), Mark Mercuri (19) and Joe Misiti (18) – all future legends of the club – were among the Bombers who last took the field at what is now GMHBA Stadium.
It was a highly-anticipated clash between two in-form sides; the Bombers entering the match off the back of five wins on the trot, and Geelong off three in a row including 94 and 82-point victories in the previous fortnight.
The Dons started the game a little slowly with just two goals to Geelong’s five in the opening term, but a second-quarter blitz swung the game back into the side’s favour.
The Bombers booted eight goals in the term to take a healthy 16-point lead into the main break, but unfortunately that was to be the end of Essendon’s joy.
Geelong, fielding 11 players with at least 100 games under their belt, proved too strong and experienced for the young red and black line-up, taking control in the second half to prevail by 32 points.
Former and future Bomber John Barnes gathered 27 disposals to take home the three Brownlow votes, with fellow Cats Barry Stoneham and Garry Hocking rounding out the votes.
Mercuri led the way for the Dons, racking up 31 disposals and booting a goal, while Misiti also played a leading role with 21 disposals and three goals.
Experienced teammates Paul Salmon and Peter Somerville also booted three goals each, but it wasn’t enough to fend off an impressive Geelong line-up.
Perhaps it was this game that gave the Bombers the wake-up call they needed, because the rest, as they say, is history.
Paul Salmon and James Hird were among 17 players to win the 1993 flag after taking on the Cats in round 21.
Now the attention turns to a new crop of young and exciting Bombers hungry for success.
The final preparation for the 2019 season will be an important stepping stone for Essendon on Thursday and it will all kick off at 7:10pm.
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