Essendon's 1984 Premiership victory remains one of the most thrilling comebacks in Grand Final history.

Hawthorn, who had trounced the Bombers by 83 points in the Grand Final a year earlier, dominated the first three quarters and, despite being unable to put Kevin Sheedy's Bombers away, still led by 23 points at the final change.

Essendon’s kicking for goal had cost them dearly, with an ugly 5.15 scoreline telling the tale, but the tide had begun to turn late in the third quarter as Sheedy famously shuffled his team around to find a way to win.

The Essendon avalanche began just 25 seconds into the final term, as 28-year-old VFL rookie Leon Baker converted from close range.  A goal to Peter Bradbury followed soon after and soon Hawthorn’s famously tight defence started to show signs of cracking. Twenty-year old Mark Thompson goaled from a set shot, then the Bomber faithful went ballistic when another Baker goal put them in front.

Essendon careered away to win the match by 24 points, with Bill Duckworth awarded the Norm Smith medal for best on ground. The Bombers' final quarter score of 9.6 was an all-time record.

It was Sheedy’s first premiership as coach but his second came 12 months later, also against the Hawks, fuelling a rivalry that still burns to this day.