Q: Good evening Gavin,
I have been one of your biggest fans, ever since I saw you kick a couple of goals at Windy Hill one afternoon in 1991 as a youngster.
A school friend who you stayed with got me the autograph below.
I went to most of the games in the amazing 1993 season at the MCG, my question is:
Throughout your career, which of your many great marks is your favourite?
Damian
 

A: Thanks for your support over the yearsDamian. Yes I remember playing my first year at Windy Hill, it was an amazing experience. That one in the photo there, I was 17 and it was taken against the Saints. That was right up there! But I think maybe the one I took against West Coast in 1993 might have just topped it.

 

Q: Hi Gavin, 

You - Wanganeen -, Hird & Watson have all won The Brownlow playing for Essendon Football Club in 1993,1996 and 2012 respectively. Explain the significance of these Brownlow wins to you, Essendon Football Club and in playing for premiership glory. – Rachel
 

A: It was a huge honour to win a Brownlow at a Club like Essendon. To be part of the Essendon Brownlow Medal Club is unique and special, not only to our winners but also for the Football Club. It's important for us to have winners as possible as often as it shows that we can breed champion players. Hopefully it inspires every player that comes through to set high standards and give it all. That doesn't mean that they're going to win Brownlows, but it might help them win Premierships because they will be playing good football on a regular basis.

 

Q:  Hey Gav, i would firstly like to thank you for your time tonight. You are my all time favourite player!!!  I have 2 questions, the first for curiosity.... back in the day when fans could greet players outside the rooms after each game, i was that crazy girl asking you for a hug each time even after your 250th with Port. Do you honestly remember that at all??? Or maybe i was not the only one! And now the serious question.... do you have a memory that really stands out during your time at Essendon? – Narissa

A: Of course I remember you Narissa! I never refused a hug, did I? 
The Grand Final week of 93 and obviously the win against Carlton and also playing footy at Windy Hill. To have one year at Windy Hill before they moved to the MCG was really special to play there.

 

Q: Gavin, have you ever regretted leaving us mate? Many of us have, that's a fact. – Graham 

A: It always sits in the back of my mind, even to this day. I played with the Port Adelaide footy club for all my juniors from under 13s to 17s, juniors and reserves until I moved to Melbourne. The Port Adelaide connection was hard to break. In saying that, the six years I spent at Essendon and the love that I still have for the footy Club is so strong. I still have red and black flowing through my veins and memories that I will never forget.

 

Q: Hey Gav how old does your son Tex turn this year and is he enjoying his footy? – Rick

A: He turns 13 this year and he loves his footy! The boy can play.

 

Q: Hi Gavin, when watching the 2000 Bombers did you ever regret leaving for Port? – Zak 

A: Good question. Yes, I felt that I missed out watching that game. I was happy for the boys, but definitely regret was there.

 

Q: Hello Gavin thank you so much for your time at Essendon a d the 1993 season.. 

What is the funniest / weirdest things that Sheeds has said to you? 

And ur memory of 93 prelim at half time – Joe

A: He said to me once 'Do you know where the back pocket is? That's where you're playing today.' I thought that was pretty funny! 
I just remember Sheeds' half time speech of that Prelim, it was very inspiring.

 

Q: Hi Gav,

The day you kicked the winning goal against Melbourne in 92, after the massive comeback. What are your memories of that day? – Ash

A:  Yeah, I can remember that goal Ash
I had a reasonably quiet game I think and managed to lay a good tackle catching someone holding the ball and then slot that drop punt from about 55. Gee, you've got a good memory!

 

Q:  I hazard a guess you are doing something with the long walk this year, what impact did Michael Long have on your career? – Ben

A: Longy took me under his wing the day that I arrived at Windy Hill. He's been a really calming influence on me throughout my early years at Essendon which really helped me big time.

 

Q: Hi gav. interesting u mentioned barry young. i have watched the replay several times when essendon played sydney and tony lockett was chasing you out of defence and he was making ground as you was looking for a option upfield. barry young charged at tony lockett and made contact with a solid hip and shoulder. thats a gr8 example of courage and commitment. – Peter

A: Hey Ryan,
I didn't have a particular favourite, I got along well with all the boys that I played well. Barry Young is one player that I've kept in touch with. It's always a pleasure to see my old Bomber teammates at various functions every year. You always manage to pick up where you left off. It feels like only yesterday that we were playing together. Time really does fly!

 

Q: What's your involvement in football these days? Thanks for the memories too. – Tow 

A: I'm not involved in a football team as such at the moment. I'm currently working as an artist, painting Aboriginal paintings and have an exhibition starting up at Federation Square on the 25th of May called 'Shooting Star'. You'll be able to find out more about it on the Essendon website in the coming days.

 

Q:   What are your thoughts on McDonald-Tipungwuti so far this season? – Emma

A:  Hey Emma,
He looks really comfortable every time he gets the football and he doesn't waste position. I like him, I think he'll get better and he is definitely a find.

 

Q:  A great champion but who was the best plays you ever played against ? – DA

A: Hey DA
Nicky Winmar, Peter Matera and too many more to mention over the years. I've had some good duels over the years! But watching these guys play on the opposite side was always inspiring.

  

Q: Gavin did you really hate having to leave our great club, you are a Port great but l wonder if your heart is still at Bomberland – Adam

A:  Adam, I still have red and black flowing through my veins and I still love the Bombers.