THE WESTERN Bulldogs and Essendon finished at opposite ends of the ladder in 2016, each going into the record books for different reasons. The Bulldogs' premiership was the stuff of dreams, overcoming adversity and the weight of history to deliver success for their starving fans. The Bombers, meanwhile, endured a nightmare season as the 2012 supplements program caught up with them. The two storylines dominated a season like no other.
5. Jobe Watson returns his Brownlow Medal
When Jobe Watson failed to clear his name at the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland in October, the AFL Commission was left with a gut-wrenching decision to make. His fate was to be decided on November 15, but Watson relinquished his title four days prior. "If there is a question in peoples minds as to whether the award is tainted, the fairest and best thing to do is to give it back and honour the history that has gone before me," Watson said in a statement. The midfielder's historic decision left a sour taste for those who believed the players were duped by their club and innocent victims in a rogue regime. For others, it was the only palatable outcome given the Essendon players had been found guilty of taking performance-enhancing drugs. The matter was finally closed when Trent Cotchin and Sam Mitchell – runners-up in 2012 – were awarded Brownlow Medals in December. Through it all, Watson maintained his class and his return in 2017 is highly anticipated.
4. Boomer makes history in game 427
Brent Harvey's exit from the game was a headline story in 2016, but his record-breaking feats are what we will remember for decades to come. In an historic night against St Kilda in round 19, Harvey broke Hawthorn great Michael Tuck's VFL/AFL games record. In a nod to the wiry rover he was overtaking, 'Boomer' completed his warm-up in the long sleeves Tuck was known for. He then slipped into a commemorative '427' jumper and got to work in a must-win game for the Kangaroos. A popular sentiment in the lead-up to the match was that Harvey's record would never be broken. Who could imagine another player with Harvey's durability, hunger and lasting talent, having reached this milestone in his 21st season? He finished his career on 432 games, and with 518 goals. The one we'll remember from his record-breaking game? A generous "cheap one" given to him by teammate Lindsay Thomas 15m from goal, capping a night of celebrations for a great of the game.
3. Luke Beveridge hands the Jock McHale Medal to Bob Murphy
Running hand-in-hand with the Western Bulldogs' thrilling road to the premiership was the story of captain Bob Murphy. Described by teammate Matthew Boyd as the "heartbeat of our footy club", Murphy's knee injury with 90 seconds to play in round three looked to be a knockout blow. That it wasn't is testament to the resilience of the Bulldogs and the selflessness and positivity of Murphy, who adapted and played a crucial support role through the year. A veteran of 17 seasons, there were tears when his Bulldogs made the Grand Final, and there was no happier or prouder Bulldog when the final siren sounded against Sydney at the MCG. When it was time to lift the cup, coach Luke Beveridge seized the moment and called Murphy onto the dais. "This is yours mate, you deserve it more than anyone," he said, hanging his Jock McHale Medal around Murphy's neck. Beveridge then faded into the background as the defender and Easton Wood lifted the premiership cup. The medal Murphy received, since returned to Beveridge, will reside in the Bulldogs' museum as a reminder of one the game's most unique and touching moments.
2. CAS bans the Essendon 34
The significance of the Essendon supplements saga was summed up by ASADA CEO Ben McDevitt when he said on January 12: "This unfortunate episode has chronicled the most devastating self-inflicted injury by a sporting club in Australian history". That quote was delivered when the Court of Arbitration for Sport handed down its guilty verdict, banning 34 past and present Essendon players for the 2016 season. The players – included 12 listed Bombers, and five players now at other clubs – were found guilty of taking banned substance Thymosin Beta-4, let down by an administration that put its trust in disgraced sports scientist Stephen Dank. It was a devastating decision for those players and their club, which needed to turn its attention to fielding a team in 2016. Opportunities were handed to "top-up" players and rookies, like Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, and the Bombers' three wins were moments to savour. But the CAS verdict was the low-point of the season and a moment in time the game won't forget.
1. Western Bulldogs win first premiership since 1954
The end of the game's longest existing premiership drought, the way the Western Bulldogs did it, and what it meant to their fans was the story of the 2016 season. It was a story embraced by supporters far and wide, not just in the club's heartland, with the players becoming instant heroes in joining the 1954 premiership team. There was Tom Liberatore's courage, his tenacious mate Luke Dahlhaus, Liam Picken's three goals and Jack Macrae's third quarter. Jordan Roughead overcame an eye injury to take his place in the 22, while Easton Wood was every bit a premiership captain. The list goes on. Matthew Boyd didn't disappoint in his Grand Final debut at 34, Joel Hamling shut down Lance Franklin in his last act as a Bulldog, and Dale Morris played with a broken back. Tom Boyd arrived, Marcus Bontempelli cemented his status as a superstar, and Jason Johannisen won the Norm Smith Medal for his dash and dare. For Bulldog fans, it was worth the 62-year wait.
