Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

[Twodogs]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

Hawkins' handling in the wet was amazing. As was his ability to bomb torps with ease with the breeze. He just never seemed to shank them. That '84 side really had matured. They came good in '83 - taking some big scalps, yet struggling with consistency. Essendon was a real bogey team in '83, having smashed us twice. However in '84 we did them at Windy Hill and should've gotten them at WO.

Had we snuck into the 5 (in hindsight, Bradbury's goal was the reason we didn't), we could've done some real damage. As it was, Essendon won the flag. The following year, we also split the honours with Essendon. However, Brad Hardie let Lethal Leigh off the leash in the last quarter of the prelim and we missed out on testing Essendon in the big one...

What might've been!

We were also a smokey in '87, but ran into an inspired Melbourne - again missing finals by a whisker. Melbourne were very close to being the best team in the league in September '87. But for Jimmy Stynes running through the mark, they might've worried Carlton in the GF)..... Aargh, sliding doors moments..!

They were good years all of a sudden after all the bleak, bleak years of the late '70s and the early '80s.

[Webby]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

Melbourne plucked that game out of their arse. Flukey snaps and ordinary players "I really enjoyed 1983 as it was the first time we'd been " match of the day" with Peter Landy and Louie Richards .

I probably bang on about '83 more often than I should! I think I described it as a "Cocoon" moment in another post. After years of not much other than cellar dwelling, culminating in rock bottom last in 1982, losing the final game at home by 25 goals, Templeton leaving, Dunstan leaving, EJ Jnr retired, Wheeler gone, Jennings virtually finished etc etc, we came out and beat premiers Carlton, Melbourne & KT, runners up, Richmond, and eventual premiers, Hawthorn in the first six or so weeks. I think the Hawthorn game might've been the match of the day you're thinking of.

It was surreal for a while there... Until Essendon smashed us at Windy Hill...! They really had our measure. That's why the '84 results against them were a real sign of progress. By '84 we could mix it with anyone. Thus the shame we missed finals that year.

[Twodogs]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

Melbourne plucked that game out of their arse. Flukey snaps and ordinary players " doing it for Robbie".
They played for Northey in that era, as he was a real fire and brimstone coach .
I thought we did well to get that close to be honest, although I think we could have beaten North .
I really enjoyed 1983 as it was the first time we'd been " match of the day" with Peter Landy and Louie Richards .

That was a terrific game of footy but they were in front when the siren went but we'd kicked the last two goals I seem to remember. Bloody Flower carried them over. He got Doug over onto the members wing he was playing so well.

[Webby]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

That was a terrific game of footy but they were in front when the siren went but we'd kicked the last two goals I seem to remember. Bloody Flower carried them over. He got Doug over onto the members wing he was playing so well.

My clear recollections are that Robbie Flower had Dpug's measure way more often than not. He was a sweet, sweet footballer to watch. They both were, but I have to say, Robbie Flower shaded our Doug.

Doug had plenty of "bitches" - Dipper comes to mind, however Robbie Flower was certainly the alpha dog whenever he crossed the Maribyrnong. There's no shame in that, as Flower was a champ. Even Warne had his Laras, and even Lara had his McGraths.

[Missing-Dog]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

Didn't stop raining all day, very few goals, yet surprisingly it was a gripping game that has stayed with me vividly.

Pretty sure John Bennett kicked two of our three goals whilst the highlight was the amazing battle on the wing between Hawkins and Neagle. The two of them stood out in tough conditions with their skill and attack on the ball.

Remember that game vividly. One poignant moment for me was the roar from the crowd when one of the Little League teams kicked a goal at half time. For many in the crowd who had arrived between the reserves and the seniors, it was the first goal they had seen for the day and they were very appreciative of it.

[Twodogs]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

Remember that game vividly. One poignant moment for me was the roar from the crowd when one of the Little League teams kicked a goal at half time. For many in the crowd who had arrived between the reserves and the seniors, it was the first goal they had seen for the day and they were very appreciative of it.

Oh wow, I had forgotten the big cheers the kids got that for actually kicking a goal that day.

Those kids would be in their mid 30s by now.

[westdog54]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/1984/050719840728.html

Wouldn't have believed it had I not read it.

[Twodogs]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games...719840728.html

Wouldn't have believed it had I not read it.

I reckon I did pretty well remembering of the top of my head that Brian Royal kicked the other goal.

[westdog54]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

Don't worry, I'm sure in 30 years well still be talking about Liam Jones kicking 5 in the VFL granny, or Bonti's miracle against Melbourne last year, or Easton's karate kick against the Swans followed by that chase and pickup.

[Twodogs]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

Don't worry, I'm sure in 30 years well still be talking about Liam Jones kicking 5 in the VFL granny, or Bonti's miracle against Melbourne last year, or Easton's karate kick against the Swans followed by that chase and pickup.

In 30 years time I will be doing well remembering my own name...

[westdog54]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

In 30 years time I will be doing well remembering my own name...

As long as you remember the important stuff.

[Missing-Dog]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games...719840728.html

Wouldn't have believed it had I not read it.

98 Free Kicks for the match. Andrew Purser received 12. Footy's changed a bit.

[Twodogs]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

98 Free Kicks for the match. Andrew Purser received 12. Footy's changed a bit.

I saw that! The umpires did pretty well to get a 50/48 split.


But I vividly remember getting a raw deal from them that day.

[Missing-Dog]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

I saw that! The umpires did pretty well to get a 50/48 split.


But I vividly remember getting a raw deal from them that day.

Same old story. Not how many you get, but where you get them.

[Sedat]

Re: Dogs v Essendon rd 17, 1984

Bloody Neil Cordy.

40 metres away from his man kick chasing when his opponent kicked the winner from the goal square.

Peter Bradbury from memory.