What a day that turned out to be. We were in the Ted Whitten stand. The place was packed (2nd largest crowd ever at the Western Oval). I looked over to the opposite side of the ground, (Doug Hawkins wing) they were packed in like sardines. It was awash in Red & Blue. It seemed like every Melb supporter that was able to get there, was there. There wasnt many times were out numbered the opposition with supporters, (away game)but we did this game.

Not only did we need to win, we needed Hawthorn to beat Geelong down at the cattery. We were confident we could beat the Dogs, But the worry was the Hawks getting over the line.The game was a ripper. fast flowing, lead changes, hard and tough.We always looked like we could win, but the Doggies were making it hard. With the game in the balance, Robbie gave us the spark we needed (as usual), we kept our noses in front. That's when everyones attention, was focusing on the score at Geelong. The players didnt know but the cats were in control, and seemed to have the hawks under control. Someone at the club, decided it was a good idea to tell the players the Hawks were comfortably in front, all they needed to do was win, and we were in the finals. (I didnt know this until weeks later) Anyone that had a radio, were being hounded about updates from Geelong.

With minutes to go, the Hawks hit the front, and the siren went.Hawks win. A huge roar, one of the loudest I ever heard, went up at the Western Oval. So loud, that the players stopped, thinking their game ended, the Ump called play on. The place was rocking, and Robbie got to play in the finals. What a day.what a game, what a round of footy.

Edited August 29, 201212 yr by Deevoted

My favourite football memory. I was on the eastern wing with my Brother. The roar a few minutes after the match had finished when we heard on the radio that Hawthorn had won was unbelievable.

My second fondest memory came a week later when Todd kicked that goal from the boundary at the beginning of the match and I knew we were going to win.

This. Was there with my cousin under "Mickey's box" on the outer wing. When the siren went, it was like a huge release of pent-up emotion - people yelling to the sky, stomping their feet, with their hands waving above their heads. Extraordinary.

Went to the G the next week expecting a thrashing, only to see us hand one out. Viney's mark and play on for the opening goal was memorable and thrilling - it was right in front of me, and he was such a tish-house kick that my immediate reaction was horror when he played on.

Outer goal, was that the Southern end WYL?

it was the other end from the Inner goal, dopey....sheeesh

A mate's mother at the ground leapt in the air to celebrate the win. She landed awkwardly, breaking her ankle. 'I've got to be right for the finals next week,' were her next words. And she was, crutches and all.