Once supporters have had red and black coursing through their veins, thanks to cherished weekends at Windy Hill, it becomes an indelible part of their DNA, enduring no matter how far they travel from the original heartland.
In this new edition of "Getting to Know Bombers Fans," I have the privilege of sharing the vibrant and heartfelt story of Joel (SlamBomber), a lifelong enthusiast whose devotion to the club is woven into the very fabric of his life. Even from Canada, his passion for the Bombers remains as strong as ever.
Memories of iconic superstars, unforgettable moments, and games have left an enduring mark on his life. His story goes beyond just football; it's a tale of family traditions and cherished rituals. It’s about the bonds formed through a shared love of the club, creating a sense of community that transcends distance. His unwavering dedication to the Bombers, despite being thousands of miles away, underscores the profound impact that a team can have on an individual's life.
What was your main reason that you ended up following Essendon?
Dad is a passionate Essendon supporter so my fanhood was predetermined at the moment of my birth.
What’s you fondest memory about supporting Essendon?
Getting to spend all that time with Dad, just the two of us, all those weekends at Windy Hill watching the boys go around, all of the Essendon-themed conversations we had then, over the years, and still have to this day.
Do you have a personal story about an Essendon game?
It was actually the ANZAC Day game last year (2023). My partner of ten years is Canadian and has fallen in love with the game, especially the Bombers, since meeting me (she didn’t know anything about AFL prior to that).
Last year we went home for a visit (we live in Canada), which was her first trip to Australia, and we of course scheduled as many Bombers games as possible. The first one was the ANZAC Day game, which we went to two days after we landed. So, her first live AFL experience was getting to be a part of the crowd walking to the G’ from Flinders Street Station, seeing the G’ in person, having her first Four’N Twenty pie, being at an AFL game, and watching the Bombers play with 95,178 other people on a cracking Melbourne weather day.
While it was looking good at three-quarter time, we obviously didn’t come away with the win, but getting to experience all of that for the first time through her eyes was something really special to me after she had been watching them every weekend on TV over the ten years prior.
Where were you on grand final day 1993?
Had a viewing party at my place, which was so much sweeter because a lot of my mates are Carlton supporters and they were there with me. Two mates of mine are brothers that I dearly love, but who are the stereotypical bandwagon Carlton fans who only want to talk footy when Carlton are up and about, and you don’t hear a peep from them when they are struggling. So, smashing them in that grand final while the brothers were among my mates watching with me was extra enjoyable.
How about grand final day 2000?
I was at a mates place with friends. BBQ, beers and the grand final. Bit more low key than 1993 because 2000 felt like the result was a forgone conclusion before the game even started plus none of my mates support Melbourne because, well, who actually knows anyone who supports Melbourne.
I actually got to go to the 2001 Grand Final as well.
In 2001, i was working with a company that had access to tickets so I was able to surprise Dad, as he had taken me to previous Grand Finals, this time I was able to take him.
He was worried in the lead up with those key Bombers going into the game carrying significant injuries. he is more Brad Scott like in his approach that you don’t play blokes who are underdone.
At 3/4 time I was thinking how life comes full circle in that Dad took me to Grand Finals where the Bombers won, and now I was getting to do that for him. That feeling of happiness eroded pretty quickly into the 4th quarter as the Lions just ran the game out so much better than we were able to. It was a sad end to what had been a great day, but I still appreciated the opportunity. I appreciate it even more considering how long it’s been since we’ve tasted that level of success.
Where were you on grand final day 1984 and 1985?
I was at both games.
I was about 10 at the time, so other than the euphoria of the wins and especially Dad going nuts when Baker kicked that goal to put us in front, there aren't too many things that really stood out.
I do know that I was allowed to sleep in my number 32 long-sleeve guernsey those nights when we got home - which Mum otherwise would never have allowed!!
I also remember the release of the balloons around the ground with black and red filling the air, which had an impact on me as well.
Did you emulate any past player in the backyard playing football?
Dad was a massive Leon Baker fan, so there was a fair bit of me executing a text book blind turn, kicking a goal, putting us up 69 - 68 and the crowd going crazy in my backyard as a kid.
What are your recollections of going to the football as a kid?
Dad was a member of the Premiers Club, which was a coterie group at the time. We’d hit the road early, leaving from Central Victoria and making our way to Windy Hill. The group sat in the Dick Reynolds stand, and they had a function room underneath it. While Dad was having lunch with the group, I’d sit in the stand and watch the reserves play, smashing meat pies, jam donuts, and getting the peanuts man to toss bags of peanuts up to me.
After their lunch, all the Premiers Club members would come up and watch the seniors. After the game, we’d go back down to the Premiers Club function room for post-game drinks (which included free Coca-Cola - amazing for a young kid!).
The Premiers Club function room had a door that opened directly onto the players' race, and a few feet from that on the other side was the door to the change rooms. Because I was there so often, the doorman got to know me and would always let me into the rooms after the game. Walking around giants like Madden, Vander Haar, Merrett, and Salmon (who was the tallest person I had ever seen in my life at the time) with my autograph book in hand was just amazing.
Then, hanging the scarf out the window all the way back to Central Victoria after a win, as we listened to footy talkback radio, was a perfect end to the day.
Below is a pic of me and Dad in our usual game day attire!
Best game you have ever watched live or on tv?
Probably the comeback against North in 2001. The feeling of utter devastation allowing them to get out to the start they did, followed by the belief they could actually pull it off when they started the comeback, and then actually pulling it off, was just euphoric.
Worst/saddest Essendon memory and why?
August 10th, 2019, in round 21 versus the Bulldogs, they just gave up and mailed it in. The Bulldogs ran a training drill on us the entire game after the first 20 seconds. Each of those 21 consecutive goals was like a dagger to my heart. I’ve never in my entire life left an Essendon game I was at or turned a game off that I was watching on TV before the final siren - this was the closest I have ever come to checking out before the end of the game. I didn’t. Sometimes, I still wish I did.
Do family members support Essendon?
Dad, Essendon.
Mum, Collingwood.
Eldest sister, Collingwood.
Middle sister, North.
Did you have a football number on the back of an Essendon jumper as a kid?
Number 32 was all about Tim Watson—how could you not be? He was just so electrifying. I loved him so much that I even cut some neighbours’ grass to get extra pocket money, just so I could afford to buy the “Footy Favorites” cassette and hear Tim sing “Ruby (Don’t Take Your Love to Town).” Unfortunately, that also exposed me to Mark Maclure singing “Imagine,” but it was a small price to pay!!
Have you met any past Essendon players? If so, what were they like?
Dad coached junior footy as I was growing up, and through the Premiers Club, he arranged for different players to come to our hometown in Central Victoria and conduct training sessions.
After training, the players would usually return to Mum and Dad’s place for dinner. Blokes like Mark Harvey and John Barnes visited on different occasions. It was incredible as a young kid to have dinner at home with your heroes.
Two funny stories stand out: When Harvey came for dinner, Mum cooked a lamb roast with all the trimmings. Mark sat there looking at it, and when Mum asked, “Mark, is there anything wrong?” he replied, “No, not at all. Just wondering if you have any tomato sauce.” Mum got him some, and he covered his entire lamb roast with it. Mum was devastated, but Mark really loved his sauce!
And when Barnes visited, he sat in the lounge room with us after eating and must have downed 8 stubbies while chatting and settling in. When it was time to leave, he asked where the bottle shops were in town so he could grab some roadies for the trip back to Melbourne. He was knocking them back like a champ and had a taste for them. Thankfully, Andrew Manning was with him as the designated driver.
Growing up close to Woodend, I also had the chance to spend time with Alex Epis.
Have you had the opportunity to meet any current players?
I got to meet and take photos with Reddog, my current favorite, after the Lions game, as well as Walla, my partner’s favorite, and also Pidge at the G’ after the Cats game.
We also had the pleasure of getting to meet Mr and Mrs McGrath in Melbourne and in Brisbane, they were pretty stoked to meet a fellow Canadian (my partner) and with Toronto just a four hour drive down the 401 from Ottawa we had a lot to chat about. They were SUPER nice people.
Which player did you not want to see leave Essendon and why?
Kind of left field, but Ted Richards. I really liked the way he played. I saw him as so reliable, pure, and smooth—a bloke who busted his gut. I noticed so much in him that I never really thought we were able to capitalize on, and I was genuinely disappointed when we traded him.
Do you collect football Memorabilia?
Kind of, but not really. Obviously, I have a box full of membership scarves, and I also have a few items like a picture of me and my girlfriend at the time holding the '93 Premiership Cup with Chris Daniher (we went to Windy Hill and did it). Additionally, I have a signed jumper and a signed footy. Dad, on the other hand, has a lot of stuff—bottles of wine, signed footies, and Weg posters, among other things. It’s essentially my inheritance, lol!
What is it like being an overseas supporter?
I’ve been living in Canada for the past 19 years. Thankfully, there is WatchAFL these days. It can be hard, especially with the time difference. When the Bombers play on a Saturday afternoon there, it’s about 2:00 a.m. here, so we watch it on delay as soon as we get up Saturday morning. Friday night games are the worst because the game is played around 4:00 a.m. Friday here. This means we have to spend the entire day off social media and away from emails and text messages so that when we finish work on Friday, we can watch the game on delay and still have that “live” experience, not knowing the outcome.
I miss the water cooler AFL talk in the office on Monday mornings, but I have a good network of ex-Aussies and Canadians we have introduced the sport to here, so there is still some footy banter that gets kicked around on group text messages. It’s not the same, though. And nothing can compare to getting to a game live. I miss that the most.
What type of supporter are you when watching on tv? Passive? Aggressive?
We have learned to shut the windows when we are watching footy. It’s likely not the best experience for the neighbours to hear expletives being yelled at 8:00am on a Saturday morning, or the sound of my partner and I yelling “ballllllllllllllllll!!!!” in unison at the top of our lungs - so I would say aggressive!!
Your idea of the perfect football day? Starting with breakfast all the way to bedtime.
Four’N Twenty for breakfast, smash it. Load the car up with fellow Bombers supporters. Sun shining, around 18 degrees, not a hint of wind or cloud in the sky. Head to Melbourne with the radio on footy talk back the entire way. Stop around Diggers Rest, get another Four’ N Twenty, smash it. Arrive in Melbourne, park the car somewhere in the CBD, and start the walk to the G.
On the way to the G, get another Four’ N Twenty, smash it. Move with the crowd over the bridge, being swept forward by the momentum of the people and the quiet hum that builds louder as you get closer to the G.
Arrive at the G, pick up a Four’ N Twenty, smash it. Arrive nice and early so you can comfortably hit up an outlet to pick up a Four’ N Twenty, smash it, and find your seats. Enjoy the banner going up and the boys running through it. Signal to the person walking up and down the aisle, send some money down their way going person to person, and see a Four’ N Twenty come back to you person to person, smash it.
Boys jump out to a blistering start, up by 6 goals at quarter time. Go get a Four’ N Twenty, smash it. Build on the lead in the 2nd to be up 10 goals at the half, Four’ N Twenty and smash it time. Three quarter time sees the boys extend the lead by a goal, up by 11, and we are racking another Four’ N Twenty. Last quarter the boys go nuclear, pile on 6 unanswered goals, we win by 100+, never in doubt, we rip the club song out with all our might, it’s high fives for everyone, and time to crush another Four’ N Twenty.
Walk back to the car with happy, smiling Bomber faces everywhere you look, get into the car, windows down, scarves out, windows up, footy talk radio on all the way home. Get home just in time for one more Four’ N Twenty, and then it’s off to bed. (Yes, I miss Four’ N Twenty’s that much and wish we could get them here!!)
Which three past players stood out to you and why?
Tim Watson: Just because he was so dynamic, well-rounded, and always seemed to deliver. He was the type of player who could rip the heart out of opposing players when he took the game by the scruff of the neck and imprinted his mark on it.
Darren Williams: I loved Daisy so much. Such a great bloke as well. He was small, but he was fearless, the prototypical in-and-under player. With a tireless work rate, he sacrificed his body against larger opposition for the sake of the team. I hate that we never got to see the absolute best of him because of all the concussions and the broken leg. I really think he could have been one of the Essendon all-time greats if not for that.
James Hird: Because he was James Hird! A guy who looked the opposite of how a footballer was perceived to look, coming from a non-footballing area, and doing ballet as a kid. He was actually a rabid competitor who was unbelievably skilled, courageous, and had a massive footy IQ. One of those rare players who could find space and time when there didn’t appear to be the opportunity for either and would make amazing things happen.
Which premiership gave you more enjoyment? 1993 or 2000?
2000. Probably because 1993 came as such a pleasant surprise and 2000 just felt like a fulfilled destiny by a team that was just ruthless, clinical and so well drilled. The fall out from the 1999 prelim morphing into the most dominate home and away season in the history of the game and a dismantling of the finals series would never make up for 1999, but man it felt good to see the team stamp its authority on the competition in 2000 and finish it off with the ultimate prize.
Most memorable quote by a commentator in an Essendon game?
April 10th, 2004.
Quartermain:
“Here comes Hird again. Can he be the hero? “.
Walls:
“James Hird got that ball out of the centre bounce. He’s moving down towards this contest. If anybody’s going to get it, it’ll be James….."
Which player did you pick early in their career would be a star and why?
Jobe Watson: Dad and I had many heated debates about Jobe. Dad never thought he was going to make it; he just didn’t see it and thought he was riding on the coattails of his last name. I saw a kid who was elite at ground level and below his knees, who had unbelievable processing speed, and who made those around him so much better. This was all before he focused on his fitness. To be honest, I didn’t envision him being Brownlow Medalist good, so that was awesome, but I had a lot of faith that he was going to be a star—even when he was pudgy and slow!
What current players have you most excited about the future and why?
Archie Perkins. While he is not as explosive, I see a lot of Tim Watson in him. He can do it all - mark overhead, hit the scoreboard, break tackles, lay tackles and even has a weird gait to his run (lol). The kid is physical and plays with a real hunger and intent. The thing that excites me the most though is how he sees the game and how quickly he sees it. He is often quick and decisive with ball in hand and creates opportunities for team mates that either catches the opposition off guard or opens up space for team mates. I am very bullish on Archie.
What would you like to see more on field from Essendon?
Kicking high to a tall target, especially in the forward line (Wright, Langford, Jones, Stringer etc) and not high to an undersized target (Guelfi, Gresham, Menzie etc). Let the bigs fly and the smalls crumb!!
What would you like to see more off field from Essendon?
The price of being a member keeps going up, but something simple like the membership packs just keep regressing. Showing the members a little more love would be nice - and offering an international member a discount coupon to the Bomber Shop as a part of the membership back is useless when they charge (x3) times more for the shipping than the value of the coupon!! Also I have traditionally found the membership department has been a nightmare to deal with.
I will say though that outside of his first press conference and the unattractive pursuit of Clarkson (who I was always against), I strongly feel that Dave Barham has done an incredible job in his role as President and has been a fantastic addition.
How far away from the ultimate success again is Essendon?
I think we are a legitimate contender within the next 3 years.
What are your thoughts on Brad Scott?
My heart wanted Hird, but my head wanted Scott. I wasn’t sure how the club would withstand the backlash if James was brought back as head coach (which I appreciate, but I didn’t care. The bloke deserves a chance at retribution after what the AFL, the media, and the some of the general public did to him in my opinion) With that, I think that culture starts at the very top, and Brad is proving to be a culture setter with his no nonsense approach along with his clear, consistent and unwavering messaging.
There is no confusion around roles (within the team or the staff) and the hardness that he showed when he played is woven through his coaching and is now starting to become a part of this teams DNA. It’s not about putting posters up on the walls at the Hanger or changing some interior decorating when it comes to culture, it’s vision, purpose, what you believe in and how you carry yourself. Brad sets the tone of what that should look like, the players are following, and I am loving it.
What needs to improve the most from Essendon?
The ability to string four consistent quarters together and avoid the lulls - or at least when they are in a lull and not scoring, not allowing the opposition to score and go on runs of 3-5 goals at a time.
Which player from an opposition team do you love watching the most?
Marcus Bontempelli.
I also had the opportunity to hang out with him when he was visiting Canada in 2022 (his partner is from Canada and they were back visiting her family - him meeting them for the first time in person). I took him to an NHL game and also trained with him. He was such a lovely bloke on top of being an absolute gun footballer.
Which current opposition player would you like at Essendon and why?
Again Marcus Bontempelli.
Because he is a jet, plus adding him to our midfield would be the last piece of the secret sauce that would catapult us into legit contenders for a large window of time. He would suit our age demographic to perfection, he would provide a real point of difference and compliment to our current mids and is just a phenomenally talented footballer who can literally do everything on the football field. Plus I think he is a wonderful representative of the sport off the field as well.
Which team can’t you stand watching on tv?
Any of them who are not wearing black with a red sash
Have your feelings changed about a particular opponent over time?
Yes, Hawthorn. Growing up in the 80’s meant I had a serious dislike of the Hawks. Dipierdomenico and Matthews were dirty snipers and Brereton was an arrogant show pony. Tuck wore long sleeves. They waxed us in 1983. They continued to be strong in the late 80’s and experienced that resurgence in the 2010’s. Then Mitchell stole the Brownlow from Jobe.
But as I grew older, I came to appreciate them. Brereton was a hell of a footballer who took a lot of punishment and still performed. Tuck was as hard worker as he was unassuming. Hodge might be one of the best captains of all time and that 2004 draft class of theirs is an all time great. That said, Dipierdomenico and Matthews are still dirty snipers, Mitchell still stole the Brownlow from Jobe (at least Cotchin has recently admitted it) and Clarkson can kick rocks for the things he said about Hird during the saga.
Who do you consider Essendon’s arch enemy and why?
I always personally felt it was Hawthorn because I grew up in the 80’s, but I guess it would be Carlton because, well, Carlton…..
Most hated opponent and why?
I don’t really hate any teams. I dislike arrogant fans who barrack without seeming to have a good understanding of the game (including our own fans at times!!) but holistically there isn’t a specific team that I hate.
Current particular players though? Different story: Don’t like Ginnivan and don’t like Weightman because I don’t like the way they play the game. Don’t like Mason Cox because his ego and his mouth is bigger than his game supports. Don’t like Tarryn Thomas because you don’t assault anyone and you especially don’t assault women. Don’t like Rampe, because he climbs goal posts. Even though he is not a current player, Kane Cornes can eat a bag of dicks as well, because he is Kane Cornes.
If you could go back in time and change a memory you have of Essendon, what would it be?
Wallis wouldn't have tried to get around Brown and instead just pumped the ball in long.
If you could go back in time and change one thing about Essendon’s history what would it be?
The witch-hunt. Oops, I mean the saga.
You can invite eight Essendon people/players to dinner, who would they be and what would you serve?
Guests: Alex McCracken, John Coleman, Tim Watson, James Hird, Maddy Prespakis, Bonnie Toogood, Dave Barham, and Brad Scott.
Menu: Crow stuffed with mushrooms, garlic, and green onion; braised lion ribs; roast magpie with a side of roasted farmer's vegetables; charbroiled cat; hawk pad Thai; kangaroo medallions with a red wine jus over mash; tiger steaks in a garlic, butter, and rosemary marinade; Peking swan; Kentucky fried eagle; and bulldog stew.
What’s one thing you could bring back from a past era to todays football?
Duffle coats. What happened to duffle coats? You would wear them with pride, and mine was a thing of beauty that I put a lot of work and pocket money into! Mum would iron a big red number 32 onto the middle of the back with red lettering spelling "Watson" ironed on over the top of it. I had every Essendon player's badge and sewn-on patch known to man. I couldn’t wait each week to rush down to the souvenirs caravan inside the gate at Windy Hill to see what new badges and patches were on offer. I used to love seeing all the different duffle coats at games. I miss them!
Name one rule change you would like to make in football?
Holding the ball and dropping the ball are two distinctly different rules because they involve very different situations and interpretations. Combining them into one rule has created a lot of the mess and frustration in today’s game, in my opinion.
Holding the ball: You had prior opportunity and didn’t dispose of the ball (e.g., it’s pinned to you by the tackler). This is holding the ball and results in a free kick to the tackler.
Dropping the ball: Whether you had prior opportunity or not, if an opposing player is touching you (a tackle or otherwise) and you release the ball, and it hits the ground without first touching your fist or your foot, this is dropping the ball and results in a free kick to the tackler.
Stoppage: You didn’t have prior opportunity and didn’t dispose of the ball (e.g., it’s pinned to you by the tackler). This results in a ball-up and the ball goes to the umpire.
It should be that simple.
What frustrates you the most about football these days?
Can I say the commentary (see: Richardson, Matthew and Brown, Jonathan).
I don’t like the sub rule, just extend the bench and please don’t make a kid debut as a sub.
I don’t like Thursday night games, I like Friday night to Sunday arvo game times.
I don’t like that you can’t go out onto the ground and have a kick after the game (having a kick at Windy Hill post game, picking up discarded players tape from the ground and seeing stop holes in the ground, plus trying to emulate a goal you just saw kicked in the game you just watched from the exact position from where it was kicked from as well as keeping your head on a swivel so you didn’t eat one of the hundreds of stray balls flying around was an absolute weekend highlight).
What movie title sums up Essendon right now and why?
"The Pursuit of Happyness” - because after everything the club and its supporters were put through at the hands of the AFL over the past decade, at the end of the day all any of us are craving is to be happy again, to get that finals win monkey off our back and to dominate the league for the next decade ;)
Name a motto/life lesson/saying you apply to Essendon?
"Gently in manner, resolutely in execution”
Either that, or “F*ck Andrew Demetriou”.
****Quick fire questions****
One word answers.
Who/what do you prefer?
Wanganeen or Long?
Long
Daniher or Saad?
Saad
Windy Hill or MCG?
Windy Hill
Hird or Lloyd?
Hird
1984 or 1985?
1984
Misiti or Mercuri?
Mecuri
Madden or Salmon?
Madden
Rutten or Knights?
Rutten
Ground level or top tier?
Top tier
Socks up or socks down?
Socks up
Day game or night game?
Day game
Day or night grand final?
Twilight
Thank you for the opportunity to share, can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed reliving some of these memories through this exercise. Thanks again for allowing this outlet for us supporters - keep up the great work with this initiative and your blog.
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