There has always been a love-hate relationship with Essendon, the rivalry created by two proud and passionate coaches.
Former Richmond teammates Mick Malthouse and Kevin Sheedy, men who did so much to shape the clubs they coached, were stoic and single-minded in their drive for success.
There was almost a grudging respect between two strong-willed bulls in the AFL paddock.
Their different personalities and methods were homed in one outcome. Winning.
In 1993 the intensity of their own personal rivalry drew the fans of both clubs into the cauldron when Sheedy, after a pulsating two-point win at the MCG, charged out of the coaches box at game’s end twirling his jacket over his head.
That victory ended a four-match winning run for the Eagles against the Bombers, a sequence that has not been bettered since, which accounted for Sheedy’s reaction.
It was the birth of an enduring tradition.
In 2007, 14 years after that signature match at the G, Essendon came to Perth in Sheedy’s farewell match. It also marked the final match in the glorious playing career of James Hird.
It was always destined to be a memorable day, but perhaps the sense of occasion was taken a little too literally as the West Coast Eagles relinquished a strangle-hold on the game, relaxed and ensured a remarkable climax to the Sheedy era.
Leading by 51 points shortly before three quarter-time, West Coast’s grasp on the game was released as Essendon rallied for one final effort to honour their retiring icons.
Hird, in his 253rd game and Sheedy, at the completion of 27 seasons at Essendon, implored the Bombers to give their all and they found something extra to close within two points in the last quarter before finally the Eagles put the game to rest.
The Bomber charge came on the back of a dazzling performance from Scott Lucas, who kicked seven last quarter goals to give his team the opportunity to snatch an improbably victory.
In the end, though, West Coast steadied and produced a deserved victory.
Thanks to the efforts of half-forward Rowan Jones, midfielder Chad Fletcher, defenders Darren Glass and Adam Hunter, ruckman Dean Cox and young forward Mitch Morton, who bagged three goals, West Coast scored an important victory.
It carried the club to third position on the ladder, with an outside chance of sneaking into second had Fremantle been able to upset Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium later that evening.
Alas that did not occur and the Eagles were forced to travel to Adelaide to play the Power in the first week of the finals.
That aside, it was a remarkable day, and the West Coast fans paid tribute to two great achievers in the sport at game’s end.
A moving video was played on the big screens at the end of the game, acting captain Glass presented Hird with the match ball, coach John Worsfold presenting Sheedy with a composite jacket (half blue and yellow, half red and black).
The sell-out crowd, as was custom, waved jackets and scarves over their heads in recognition of that enduring tradition.
Round 22, 2007
Saturday, August 6 – Subiaco Oval
West Coast Eagles 5.1 12.2 19.4 21.6 (132)
Essendon 2.3 5.6 11.8 19.10 (124)
Goals: West Coast Eagles – R Jones, Morton 3; LeCras, Seaby, Chick, Cousins, Staker, Wirrpanda 2; Cox, Lynch, Stenglein. Essendon – Lucas 8; Winderlich 3; Neagle, McVeigh, Lloyd, Hird, Heffernan, Bradley, Stanton, Monfries.
