SEPTEMBER

JHA IN REVIEW
GUARD OF HONOUR 2016
The 2016 instalment of the James Hird Academy Guard of Honour Game was another outstanding success.
The most celebrated event on the Academy calendar, the annual Guard of Honour Game facilitates the coming
together of generations of the Essendon Family.
An exceptionally strong turnout of over 50 guests attended a fully-catered pre-match function in Etihad
Stadium’s Limelight Room. Whilst former Bomber’s champions Matthew Lloyd, Paul Barnard and Darren
Bewick caught up over a few drinks, their young children enjoyed romping around the function room – kicking
mini footy’s at will and launching themselves on the red and black decorative beanbags.
Former Dons enforcer and 2000 Premiership defender, Mark Johnson, considers the Guard of Honour Game a
must-attend event for his young family.
“Essendon was such a huge part of my life and it helped make me the person I am, with the culture of the place
and the friendliness of the people around it, so it’s great that my kids now get to be a part of that and to have
them be a part of the Club that I grew up with,” Johnson said. First-year Academy Coach Jacob Thompson took
the opportunity to meet with many JHA members and their families for the first time before taking to the stage
and addressing the group. Speaking of his excitement to be at the helm of such a fantastic group of people,
Jacob also rubbed shoulders with his predecessor Marty Allison, who made a much welcomed appearance.
Former JHA Program Coordinator Adriano Leti also took time out from his new role with the Bombers to catch
up with some familiar faces from the Academy ranks.
Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell hosted a fantastic on-stage interview with VFL Coach Matthew Egan, who
provided updates on the first-year fortunes of Jake Long and Tommy Wallis – the most recent Academy
Graduates.
After enjoying a surprise visit from Skeeta, the young members of the JHA and their families made their way
down into the under-croft of Etihad Stadium and filed up through the players’ race to form the customary Guard
of Honour for the senior team.
Injured Essendon defender Courtenay Dempsey leapt at the chance to be part of the guard with his young
children Chenae and Taitum, while cradling newborn Mekhi in his arms.
JHA Next Generation member Kurtis Barnard also played a starring role in the afternoon’s proceedings and
was interviewed in front of over 25,000 fans up on the Etihad Stadium big screen.
After providing a rousing reception for the senior Dons, the Academy members and their families retreated to
the stands to watch the Bombers take on the Bulldogs.
Although the finals-bound Doggies would prove to be too strong for the red and black, the day was an
undoubted success for the JHA and provided memories to last a lifetime for all who took part.
The James Hird Academy would like to thank all JHA members, their families and EFC support staff for joining
us for another Guard of Honour Game. We look forward to seeing you again soon at the Essendon Football Club!