Bombertalk

ESSENDON has released details of the celebrations surrounding Sunday’s historic game against Richmond at the MCG.

The game could be the last time legendary Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy and club champion James Hird represent the Bombers in Melbourne.

Because of the popularity of both men, the game is expected to attract a massive crowd of fans to say thank you and farewell.

Pre-game (starting 30 minutes before the 5:10pm game):

* 3 Mobile farewell messages will be displayed around the ground (including on the goal post padding).

* Messages of support from fans will scroll down the big screen.

* On-ground interviews with former teammates and coaches.

* Highlight vision of Sheedy and Hird careers on the big screen.

* Unveiling of an over-sized Sheedy and No.5 (Hird) guernsey, and replicas of the 1984, 1985, 1993 and 2000 premierships flags.

* Guard of honour by various Essendon members, volunteers, life-members and staff to welcome Sheedy and Hird as they enter the ground.

Half time:

* Banner competition for farewell messages to Sheedy and/or Hird.

Post-game:

* Highlights DVD show-casing the journey of each man at Windy Hill.

* Fireworks display.

f*** YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

that sounds fantastic!

these last 2 days of work before i head down to Melbourne are going to be sooooooo slow haha

I've taken Monday off. This is going to be a massive day.

That's settles it, I'm skipping work on Sunday night.

Koala wrote:there are a few of us heading to the Cricketers Arms on Punt Rd for a bit of a "wake" after the game, so feel free to head over and join us celebrate and commiserate and say goodbye to Sheeds and Sir James

hey that sounds good, i think i might just do that

Sounds good for Sunday. WCE are also preparing something for R22.

The Cricketer's would be great. I'd buy a slab of stubbies if I was going there, then drink 'em wif me mates in the side street. Getting served at the bar will be shocking.

KaaN10 wrote:Sounds good for Sunday. WCE are also preparing something for R22.

that is great to hear - do you know any more about it?

I can't find an online link, but I read in The Age this morning that the Eagles are planning their own celebratory ceremony for Sheedy and Hird.

The Eagles have said that Sheedy is a legend in WA, and Hird an all-time great of the game.

They want to recognise the impact these two have had on the game, and on the very real Essendon rivalry built up over the years, particularly in Finals.

Good on them for doing this. Whilst we'd still have loved to say farewell in Melbourne, this is a top move by the Eagles

Thats from a member off BigFooty. Thats all I know about it.

I have to miss all of it , sister's engagement on sunday. Stupid sister hahaha

tonysoprano wrote:

KaaN10 wrote:Sounds good for Sunday. WCE are also preparing something for R22.

that is great to hear - do you know any more about it?

This from this mornings West Australian (typed out as I couldn't find a link, so all mistakes are mine)

The long walk from Subiaco Oval which will be Kevin Sheedy and James Hird's farewell to Essendon in 11 days time may be a little longer than either expect.

West Coast, Essendon's opponent on September 1, are planning a post-match tribute to the pair that will be held on the ground before either of them walks back into the red and black changerooms for the last time.

Long before the decision on Sheedy's departure was announced last month, West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett had contacted his counterpart at Windy Hill, Peter Jackson, about ways in which the Eagles could contribute to a celebration of Hird's career if the round 22 match was to be the former captain's last.

Since then, Sheedy's exit has also been confirmed and the two executives have spoken about broadening the tribute, which will keep the players from both sides on the ground after the match as a history of the careers of both Sheedy and Hird are screened at either end of the stadiium.

The match ahs been sold out and fans, at least those not observing the traditional post-match Essendon-West Coast custom of waving their jackets and scarves, wil be encouraged to write farewell messages to both me. "We view it as a way for our club and lovers of the game in WA to pay respect to two greats of the game," West Coast communications manager Gary Stocks said.

"Our clubs have always shared a healthy respect for one another. Sheedy is revered in this State and Hird is one of the all-time greats. They should be acknowledged"

Pretty nice touch really

For once Nisbett has done something I agree with.

May 100 0009(less Ray Horsburgh)PACK The "G" TO THE RAFTERS!

Gatsid wrote:I have to miss all of it , sister's engagement on sunday. Stupid sister hahaha

Skip it. This is much more important

Cannot wait.

It's going to be great on Sunday night. Also well done to West Coast for also wanting to do something.

robrulz5 wrote:It's going to be great on Sunday night. Also well done to West Coast for also wanting to do something.

west coast are almost starting to resemble a bunch of humans.

has the world gone backwards/turned upside down?

My jaw dropped when I saw what they were doing on Sunday. It's going to be absolutely massive. No other coach/player combination would be deserving of a sendoff as big as this. To see them both go out together is nothing short of special. It's times like these I love supporting the Bombers. Only at Essendon.

For once Rob.

Not so fast Tomcat.Read West Coast Section on Footygoss(Footychat).Plenty of material for Your's Truly!

Koala wrote:there are a few of us heading to the Cricketers Arms on Punt Rd for a bit of a "wake" after the game, so feel free to head over and join us celebrate and commiserate and say goodbye to Sheeds and Sir James

It will be overflowing methinks!