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.
A strong turnout of more than 50 guests attended a fully-catered pre-match function in Etihad Stadium’s Limelight Room.
Former Essendon champions Matthew Lloyd, Paul Barnard, Damien Peverill, Darren Bewick and Mark Johnson were among those in attendance.
“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.
JHA Coach Jacob Thompson with Marty Allison.
Jaxon and Matt Neagle with JHA Coach Jacob Thompson.
Jacob Thompson with Jacob and Matt Neagle.
Essendon premiership player Paul Barnard with sons Kurtis and Luke.
Skeeta with Mekhi and Taitum Dempsey.
Kurtis and Luke Barnard with Mother, Melissa.
Donna, Jaxon & Matt Neagle with Brieanna Galvin.
Luke and Kurtis Barnard.
Paul Barnard with Jacob Thompson & Rob Kerr.
Matthew Lloyd with son Jacob.
Guard of Honour with Essendon Senior Coach John Worsfold & Dr. Bruce Reid.
Matthew, Lisa, Jaeda, Kira & Jacob Lloyd.
The players run through the banner as the James Hird Academy watches on.
Joshua Misiti, Luke, Kurtis & Paul Barnard.
Mark Johnson with kids Rylan & Charli.
