Here is a game from 30 years ago. Suburban AFL the way it was

I am sure a few other Demonlanders were there, this game is often talked about.

To Younger Supporters, now you can find out why... Enjoy the full game.....

 

What a place to watch footy that was. You can not beat that sort of atmosphere.

Sad the suburban grounds are gone and likely never to return yet the soulless Etihad stadium is a thing.

Ahhh, the main man Ricky Jackson!

"Darren Bennet uses Van Der Haar like a stepladder"

And if you haven't got time to watch the whole game make sure you watch the last quarter.

Listen to the Commentary. They just call the game as it happens. 
So different to today...

1 minute ago, loges said:

And if you haven't got time to watch the whole game make sure you watch the last quarter.

Nah you gotta watch the whole game to fully appreciate that last Quarter

Simon Madden and Steve O’dwyer went to war all day!!

Haven’t watched the video yet - SWYL was that the ‘bloodbath at windy hill’ game - when stawbs and grinter went ballistic?

Edited August 17, 20204 yr by jako13

Western oval 1987 and Windy Hill 1990 and Carlton Princes Park 1998, 3 of the best days I have ever had at the footy. Winning at the old suburban grounds actually gave the wins far more meaning and were so enjoyable. Was behind the goals at the scoreboard end as Bennett kicked 4 in the last quarter over my head, great memory, thanks for the footage!

27 minutes ago, Sir Why You Little said:

Nah you gotta watch the whole game to fully appreciate that last Quarter

Simon Madden and Steve O’dwyer went to war all day!!

Workmate ( Bomber supporter) told me before the game that Bennett was no good and overrated, had a lot of fun at work Monday morning.

5 minutes ago, loges said:

Workmate ( Bomber supporter) told me before the game that Bennett was no good and overrated, had a lot of fun at work Monday morning.

Yes i bet. It was a truly magnificent day. 
Getting to the car was seriously hardcore  

Essendrug Supporters wanted to punch on and there was no security outside the gates in those days

 

Match review committee would have had a bit of work 

Was Jackson bigger/ smaller than Spargo- anyone got those stats ? 

Ripping stuff.

Can you imagine in the potential game day thread once we went 4 goals down in the first quarter?

'Sack Northey!'

'When's the last time Stretch got a hard ball?'

'Ricky Jackson is too small.  I've always said that'.

'Stuff this club.  Been letting me down since the '88 GF.'

'

Was this game not more exciting and attractive as 2020 footy? No scrums, quick umpiring decisions, fast tough and uncompromising. Real footy that had not yet been sanitised by the rules committee and over-coached by so called modern coaches. And we won.

And how good was Stinger's mullet.

 

For me, last round 1987 will always be number 1, but this one was an absolute beauty - the ultimate suburban ground experience - getting there, getting in, the game itself and then getting out. Then getting home for the replay and the sublime commentary by Robbo et al. A ripping day at the footy. Gill and his clowns should reflect on this ultimate “match day experience”.

1 hour ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

Was Jackson bigger/ smaller than Spargo- anyone got those stats ? 

Jackson: 170cm/71kg/8”

Spargo: 173cm/71kg/11”

Edited August 17, 20204 yr by Ethan Tremblay

That was 1 day as an MFC supporter I will never forget. I went and stood in the Essendon members area with my boss who was a mad dons supporter. It was right where jimmy and I think Salmon had a stoush on the fenceline. When the siren went I snuck off pretty quickly as the druggos were mad as hell. Never said a word to the boss either as I might of got the sack at a footy ground on a saturday.

1 hour ago, Spud said:

Western oval 1987 and Windy Hill 1990 and Carlton Princes Park 1998, 3 of the best days I have ever had at the footy. Winning at the old suburban grounds actually gave the wins far more meaning and were so enjoyable. Was behind the goals at the scoreboard end as Bennett kicked 4 in the last quarter over my head, great memory, thanks for the 

Win over Carlton at Princes Park in 98 was massive. I remember a young Nathan Brown having a good debut (he had long blonde hair and a pony tail), and I think it was James Mcdonald kicking the sealer. Just an awesome match. Would love to see a full replay of that.

EDIT: Found this. Forgot about Craig Smoker! 

Edited August 17, 20204 yr by praha

18 minutes ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

Jackson: 170cm/71kg/8”

Spargo: 173cm/71kg/11”

A great footballer Ricky Jackson. Hardly missed a game whilst at Melbourne

2 hours ago, jako13 said:

Haven’t watched the video yet - SWYL was that the ‘bloodbath at windy hill’ game - when stawbs and grinter went ballistic?

Don’t remember Grinter going off his rocker this day. Both Strawbs and Simon Madden lost teeth in the ruck

29 minutes ago, praha said:

Win over Carlton at Princes Park in 98 was massive. I remember a young Nathan Brown having a good debut (he had long blonde hair and a pony tail), and I think it was James Mcdonald kicking the sealer. Just an awesome match. Would love to see a full replay of that.

EDIT: Found this. Forgot about Craig Smoker! 

https://youtu.be/dIDKUDeR1VM

Edited August 17, 20204 yr by Dr. Gonzo

 

I was there that day and a feared for my life as we were coming back and I was barracking for the Dees, there were some very intoxicated Bummers supporters near me throwing empty cans at me and shouting obscenities to a point where I had to move to a quieter spot to enjoy the win.Its hard to be quiet when we were coming back like that.

Bennett was sensational that day.

Cheers SWYL. Unfortunately I missed out on the Windy Hill era, caught plenty of the Vic Park one though unfortunately!

16 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

 

You the real MVP!

Also, Al Clarkson sighting at 1:50:57.