Star on-baller and acting captain Michael Long sustained broken ribs during the weekend's loss to the West Coast Eagles and will be unable to perform the planned duet with song writer Mike Brady.
"It is a shame that we will not be able to launch the song as planned", said Essendon CEO Peter Jackson. "We are very keen that our supporters have the chance to listen to the entire song and understand how it will enhance the history and tradition that we have at Essendon. The new song, which incorporates the words and the Sunny Side Up tune of the old song, adds two verses which celebrate the history and heroes of the club."
Jackson rues the fact that an opportunity to explain the club's "two songs for two purposes" approach has been missed. After the overwhelming reaction from Essendon members to airing of the new song at the season opener against Carlton the club has re-thought its trategy and will retain the old version as a "Club Anthem" to be played as the team runs on to the ground and after a win. The new song will be used for club events and functions.
