The last time Essendon played Melbourne in a Grand Final of any sort was in 1992 when they met in the reserves Grand Final.

And a number of Bombers in the current senior unit will remember what it is like to play in a big one against the Demons.

Four currrent players were in that winning side and a number of other big names were associated with the win.

Centre half forward in that side was none other than current captain James Hird. Joe Misiti was in the centre while Mark Mercuri was cruising the wing.

Steve Alessio played in the ruck and Sean Denham was ruck rover. Bombers assistant coach Terry Daniher played his last game for the club and kicked six goals.

Mark Harvey, Michael Long and Darren Bewick were ineligible to play in the game while Dean Wallis was injured.

Dean Bailey (current development coach) was an emergency for the Essendon side as was David Calthorpe.

Dustin Fletcher played for the Western Jets in the Under 18 Grand Final prior to the reserves Grand Final and John Barnes played in the senior Grand Final.

Denis Pagan was coach, Glen Manton played at full back and Alan Ezard was captain.

The final score that day was Essendon 18.19 (127) d Melbourne 14.10 (94). David Neitz is the only current Melbourne player who played in that game.