What a fantastic game on Friday night. It was a real credit to both sides and gave the football community an idea of the spirit and commitment of our team. To be behind twice in the last quarter and to fight back to ultimately prevail by 16 points was a credit to the character of our players.

Full credit must also go to Essendon who were outplayed for the first couple of quarters but who started to run and play on with terrific handball,  eventually finding their way back in front in the final quarter. The game was typical of the rivalry that exists between the Hawks and the Bombers. It had everything - great individual efforts, hardness at the ball and ultimately a fantastic team effort.

Any reflection on the game necessitates a mention of Buddy Franklin’s two last quarter goals. They were, to put it simply, exhilarating examples of athleticism and skill by a 6”5 footballer of immense talent. Moreover, those two individual efforts appeared to give our boys a sense of confidence that was to prove the difference between winning and losing.

It is very satisfying to have got our way back into the fray with six wins in a row and to now have a week's break. The team will benefit from the week off to get rid of all those niggles and injuries. And important players such as Campbell Brown, Josh Gibson, Simon Taylor and Rhan Hooper are due to return in the second half of the season.

There is still much to do to be able to say we are where we want to be as a Club. Alastair and his coaches are only too aware that every game is crucial going into the last stage of the season. Self belief seems to be returning, which is critical when chasing sporting success.

So all Hawks supporters enjoy your break and let’s all come out in force on Friday week against the Bulldogs. The last time we played them they ran away in the last quarter - I just have a sense that this time around the tables may be turned.

All the best,

Andrew Newbold
Vice-president