The game that was

6pm: Arriving at the G for Round 1. It’s a beautiful night, we’re expecting 80,000, and Roughy is back.

Feelin’ good.

7.25pm: It’s opening bounce time.

The Essendon supporters are out in force, screaming something about a ‘comeback story’…

They must be Roughy fans, too.

Q1 02:20: We’re underway. Within seconds, Disney Fantasia has found the goals.

Shock, dismay, how did he do it?

Q1 05.20: Vickery becomes the first victim of the new third man up rule. The umpire claims our 177cm wingman, Billy Hartung, nominated himself to go up in the ruck.

All Hawks fans (and players):

Q1 08:30: Two more Bomber goals leave Hawks fans feeling a tad feverish. Who is this Essendon outfit, and what have they done with 2016’s wooden spooners?

Q1 15:00: Settlers from Pup and Cyril. The roar of the Essendon crowd subsides.

Q1 20:00: Roughy has marked in front of goal. Here it is, the big moment…

…behind.

QT: That’s the 1st quarter done. We trail by 13 at the first break. Hard to know what to make of the match at this stage.

Q2 10:00: A couple of goals at the hands of Big Boy and Langers in the first 10 minutes has things looking up.

HT: Schoey, Billy and Poppy join the party, and all of a sudden the Hawks are out to a 10-point lead at the main break.

Q3 10:00: It’s goal for goal in a tight one at the ‘G. This game has us feeling like….

Q3 05:30: Hang on a second, has he… He has!

GOAL TO JARRYD ROUGHEAD!

Q3 20:00 - The ball comes off Daniher’s boot and goes out on the full. Umpire calls a throw in. Confusion, anger, frustration from the Hawthorn crowd.