James Lowrie

The Essendon Football Club boasts a rich history and a passionate fanbase, with supporters who embody a deep connection with the team in many levels.

From memorable family moments to unforgettable games, the journey of a Bombers fan is filled with vivid memories and strong emotions.

This instalment of my feature in Getting to Know Bombers Fans delves into James Lowrie’s personal experiences and insights, capturing the essence of what it means to him to follow Essendon through thick and thin.

Whether it's recalling iconic victories, heartbreaking losses, or sharing the joy of converting the next generation of fans,

James’ story offers a heartfelt look at the dedication and love that define Essendon supporters.

Here he takes some time to answer questions from his point of view, I’m sure some of you have similar memories to reminisce about.

What was your main reason for supporting Essendon?

I grew up in a mad Carlton family—parents, siblings, extended family. My cousin was a Carlton runner for 20 years and president of the past players association. It was assumed I would also barrack for Carlton.

I spent a lot of time with my grandfather growing up, who was a casual Essendon supporter. Additionally, a couple of friends in primary school influenced me, and I quickly developed a love of Essendon, much to my family's disappointment.

What is a personal story about an Essendon game?

My favorite personal story is how I officially became an Essendon supporter. I never got to go to Essendon games, and my father refused to accept that I didn't want to barrack for Carlton. We eventually came to an agreement that we would go to the Essendon versus Carlton game that weekend and I would barrack for whoever won.

The reality was that I would have barracked for Essendon anyway, but it meant I got to see an Essendon game live for the first time.

I was 10 years old, and it was 1981. It ended up being a famous game.

Heading into time on, Carlton was three goals up, and my father was celebrating with his drunken Carlton mates. That was when Neale Daniher took over and forever endeared himself to me. He kicked three goals in time on, and Mike Fitzpatrick had the ball taken off him for time-wasting. The rest is history.

I have been a passionate Essendon supporter ever since, a 30-year member. I have successfully turned the entire next generation into Essendon supporters. My three kids and all my nieces and nephews support Essendon, and my family hates me for it!

What’s your fondest memory about supporting Essendon?

I have been fortunate enough to witness some of our most successful eras and watch some incredible Essendon players.

The 1993 Premiership, beating Carlton with a bunch of kids, still stands out to me. Those players—Mercuri, Hird, Wanganeen, and Fletcher—are my all-time favorites.

I will never forget the roar in that preliminary final against Adelaide in the third quarter when we took the ball the length of the field with no one over 20 touching it, and Mercuri finished from 40 metres out. It remains the loudest crowd roar I have ever heard. If you haven't heard it, look it up on YouTube.

In more modern times, Zaharakis' goal on Anzac Day in his fourth game, and his first career goal, was pretty special. The stands were rocking.

Where were you on Grand Final day 1993?

Bad timing for me—I lived in Noosa for a couple of years with my older sister and her family, and I watched it on their TV in the garage. It was horrible because no one cared about AFL back then in Noosa.

Where were you on grand final day 2000?

I was at the MCG in standing room under the stands with a mate from work and my wife. I don't recall ever going to a game of footy before or since and being that confident we would win. It may have taken some of the excitement away because it just felt inevitable that year.

Where were you on Grand Final day 1984?

I was 13, and I was dragged to the Royal Melbourne Show by my mother and siblings. We got home at three-quarter time, and I had no idea of the score. I turned on the TV and very quickly went from disappointment to psychotic excitement. I rate Leon Baker as one of the very best players I have seen play, and he just turned it on. It's a shame he played so few games in the red and black.

Where were you on Grand Final day 1985?

At home by myself in the same place I watched the last quarter of the 1984 Grand Final.

There was no way I was being dragged to the Show that year on Grand Final Day.   

Which player did you emulate in the backyard playing football?

Not in the backyard, but I certainly did at school. I have vivid memories of trying to jump over other kids to emulate Tim Watson's goal in the early '80s—unsuccessfully, of course.

What are your recollections of going to the football as a kid?

As a kid growing up, I rarely got to go to Essendon games due to my Carlton family. I saw a lot more Carlton games live as a child. That 1981 Essendon versus Carlton game I mentioned earlier is a clear memory and will be for the rest of my life.

Best game you have ever watched live or on tv?

Any comeback game, particularly against an archrival, is always fantastic, but the two games that stand out as the best were the Essendon versus Geelong game in 1993, where Salmon kicked 10 and Ablett 14.

I watched that one on TV.

The other was the comeback game against North in 2001.

I remember being 12 goals down early in the second quarter, and no one could believe what we were seeing. Many left at quarter time. I stayed till the end, and it was just incredible to watch. The second quarter is some of the most electric footy I have ever seen, and I still say that Jason Johnson played the best individual game I have seen from an Essendon player that day. He just tore them to shreds out of the middle.

Worst/saddest Essendon memory?

I would be surprised if any Essendon supporter old enough to remember it wouldn't mention the 1999 Preliminary Final. We literally threw away a premiership that year.

We didn't take Carlton seriously after thumping them a month earlier. No one was switched on. We dominated the third quarter but didn't put them away. I remember sitting in the stands for an hour after the game, unable to move.

Do family members support Essendon?

My kids, nephews, and nieces follow Essendon. My 18-year-old daughter is the most passionate. We have Highmark seats together, but at 18, she is often too busy to go. I share her seat with some great people and friends I have met through Essendon Twitter in the last 12 months.

What number did you have on the back of an Essendon jumper as a kid?

I had one in primary school with number 5 on it.  

Have you met any past Essendon players? If so, what were they like?

I’ve met a few players over the years at various functions. I worked at the same company as Mark Harvey, but he largely kept to himself as he was still playing.

My son and I met Dustin Fletcher randomly at a Lego experience store. He is just a lovely human who hasn't changed since he was 17.

More recently, I have gotten to know Robert Shaw through Twitter and the Don the Stat Pod. He is just a legendary human and great to have a beer with.

Which player did you not want to see leave Essendon?

There have been a few notable departures, but two stand out on opposite ends of the spectrum. Gavin Wanganeen leaving Essendon was almost as sad as the '99 preliminary final.

He was such a gifted player and left at the peak of his powers. We were probably fortunate to get him at all since Adelaide joined the competition when he came to Essendon.

As a Port boy, he didn't want to play for the Crows, but as soon as Port joined, he was off, and I have never gotten over it.

The other one was a bit more random. I loved watching Andrew Lovett play; he was so exciting to watch in full flight. It probably worked out well for us considering how things panned out.

Do you collect football Memorabilia?

I have a small collection of Essendon guernseys that I display in the garage, all bought in the last few years. They just look great on the wall. I have numbers 1, 7, 16, and 27, with a mix of home, Anzac, and Dreamtime designs. I will be adding a number 22 in the not-too-distant future.

What type of supporter are you when watching on tv? Passive? Aggressive?

My wife and kids would say I am nuts when watching at home—the filter comes off. I go to every Melbourne game, and when we play interstate, I tend to watch with others at a pub or wine bar where I am more likely to restrain myself somewhat.

I am trying to attend more interstate games. I don't have a great record in the few I've been to, as we've been smashed every time. I am going to the Gold Coast with a few friends, so hopefully, that's a better result, but it will be a great couple of days regardless.

Your idea of the perfect football day?

It's hard to go past Anzac Day. While there are some variations from year to year, here's an example: Dawn service with the family, followed by breakfast at our favorite cafe on the way home. We head into Richmond early to catch up with mates for a few beers and lunch before heading to the MCG. After the game, we cross the bridge for the Melbourne Storm Anzac Day game. A few post-game beers, then home, and if Essendon have won, I watch the replay and fall asleep in front of the TV with a big smile on my face.

A footy day is always best when you catch up with friends for a few drinks before or after. There's nothing better, especially after a great win. If you haven't worked it out, I am quite social and enjoy organizing meet-ups pre-game for Essendon Twitter folk, primarily through Don The Stat.

Which three past players stood out to you?

Neale Daniher, for winning the game that confirmed my status as an Essendon supporter. I still think if his body had held up, he would be regarded as one of our best ever.

James Hird was remarkable. He had everything and fought back from some horrific injuries. The way he exited the game after the supplements scandal is still one of sport's great tragedies.

Mark Mercuri is my all-time favorite player. He wasn't our best player, but at his best, he was the best to watch. Some of his goals were sublime, and on occasion, I still watch his YouTube highlights clip.

Which Premiership gave you more enjoyment, 1993 or 2000?

In 1993, we came from nowhere, beat Carlton, and unearthed some of my all-time favorite players. In 2000, the whole year just felt inevitable. That team should have been a dynasty instead of winning just one flag.

Most memorable quote by a commentator in an Essendon game?

Three calls come straight to mind:

Quartermain's call of Zaharakis' Anzac Day goal and also his call of Hird's last-minute goal against West Coast: "James Hird, you are a genius."

Anthony Hudson's call of Tippa's last-minute goal against North. He just said his name, but it was brilliant.

Which player did you pick early in their career would be a star?

Hird and Mercuri caught my attention very early. They just had a touch of class that others lacked and made it look easy. More recently, I was keen on Perkins before the draft. He is a slow burn but improving year on year. I think Caddy is going to be a star too; I hope I'm right.

What current players have you most excited about the future and why?

I am really high on this group coming through, particularly Perkins, Durham, Caldwell, Martin, and Caddy from the younger group. Reid could be anything if we can keep him on the park. Zach Merrett and Kyle Langford impress me more and more each week. I have long been a staunch McGrath defender. I think he cops a lot of unfair criticism from supporters because of his draft pick. I am loving what he is doing this year, and I believe the second half of his career is going to be excellent.

What would you like to see more on field from Essendon?

If I had done this months ago, there would have been a lot more, but in the last few months, we are starting to see it.

Selfless footy for team success, using a lead-up forward more rather than bombing it in, team defence, and how we set up the ground to stop the easy transition footy we have seen for far too long.

Everything we have wanted to see from Essendon week to week, we are now starting to see consistently.

Players playing a role. I am now trusting selection despite my personal preferences, and like against GWS, I was confident we would come back after GWS got away from us early. This team is resilient, selfless, and tough.

Let's hope it not only continues but continues to improve.

What would you like to see more off field from Essendon?

We are again starting to see it.

This year, our four recruits from other clubs have been very well targeted, needs-based players, not just good players.

All four have filled a need and made us better. I think they have all slotted in seamlessly and I am hoping for more of the same next offseason. We traded up to get Caddy, again for a need.

How far away from the ultimate success again is Essendon?

Here is the corrected version:

I am probably more confident than most. I think if we continue on our trajectory, it can happen quite quickly. Next year or more likely the year after, with a couple more pieces added, more finals experience, and games together, I am seeing the foundations of a Premiership team. Most importantly, we have finally, after so many years, gotten the off-field aspects right.

Barham and Scott deserve a statue at the Hangar.

What has been the best part of being an Essendon fan over the last 12 months?  

Over the last 12 months, I have engaged so much more through Essendon Twitter and the people I have met.

I have learned so much myself, and we are really blessed as Essendon supporters to have amazing content at our disposal.

From yourself, to podcasts like Don the Stat and others, track watchers such as Rick Edwards, and everyone’s favourite, Charlie.

Going to the footy has become so much more enjoyable with great people to share it with.

On top of that, the growth we are seeing in the club and this playing group is so exciting after so long treading water.

Can’t wait to see you all at pre-game drinks.

What are your thoughts on Brad Scott?

Couldn't speak higher of him, love listening to him talk. I have confidence in his direction.  Clearly the players love him and respect him.   

How many games will Essendon win this year?

13.5.

What ladder position will they finish?

5th or 6th I think is about where they will land.  

What needs to improve the most from Essendon?

We still need to improve our forward entries and how the forwards work together. 

We still lack a quality key forward and a quality small forward, but we are doing a pretty good job at the minute.  

Which player from an opposition team do you love watching the most?

If he didn't play for Carlton, I may have said Curnow, but instead Jeremy Cameron. 

I think he is the best player in the game.   

Which team can’t you stand watching on tv?

North Melbourne, because well, it's North Melbourne.

Which current opposition player would you like at Essendon and why?

Jeremy Cameron, because he is the best player in the game and what Essendon doesn’t have.   

Have your feelings changed about a particular opponent over time?

Feel a bit weird admitting it, but I don't dislike Collingwood anymore. Maybe it's the Anzac Day affiliation over a long period of time?

Apart from Cox and Ginnivan last year, maybe Maynard too, I don't dislike any of their players. 

Who do you consider Essendon’s arch enemy and why?

From a pure rivalry and dislike of each other, it's Carlton 100%.

Their supporters are the worst.

They have been equally as bad as us for a long time, and hate that they are decent again. No doubt my family upbringing has contributed a little bit of the bitterness.

If you could go back in time and change a memory you have of Essendon, what would it be?

A couple jump out. 

Don't disrespect Carlton in the 99 preliminary final.

The other is clearly the supplements saga. 

So many lives have been damaged and supporters have PTSD. 

One of our greatest sons has been lost to the game and we will never see how great a coach James Hird would have been.  

You can invite nine, past or present, Essendon people/players to dinner, who would they be?

John Coleman, despite being a life long Carlton man my father still says Coleman is the best player he ever saw. 

James Hird, Mark Mercuri, Paul Van Der Haar, Terry Daniher, Zach Merrett, Dustin Fletcher, Gavin Wanganeen and Sam Durham.

What’s one thing you could bring back from a past era to todays football?

Reserves as a curtain raiser.

Name one rule change you would like to make in football?

More severe penalties for players who blatantly draw free kicks and put their head in harms way to also draw those free kicks.

Despise it and would love to see it wiped from the game.   

What frustrates you the most about football these days?

Football media, they make up stories to create content. It's a plague.

What movie title sums up Essendon right now?

 Chase Your Greatness.

Name a motto/life lesson/saying you apply to Essendon?

It's ok to make mistakes, it's about what you do next that's important  

Quick fire, one word answers.

Wanganeen or Long?

Wanganeen.

Daniher or Saad?

Saad.

Windy Hill or MCG?

MCG.

Hird or Lloyd?

Hird.

1984 or 1985?

1984.

Madden or Salmon?

Madden.

Rutten or Knights?

Rutten.

Socks up or socks down?

Socks up.

Day game or night game?

Night.

Day or night grand final?

Day.

“Thank you James for taking the time to share your thoughts, memories and experiences as an Essendon supporter through the years.”