IT WAS A GAME Melbourne was never destined to win.
Trailing by as much as 51 points in the third term, the Dees were staring down the barrel of a seventh loss from as many outings to start the 2008 season.
But then something changed.
There was a spark.
His name was Austin Wonaeamirri.
Like many, this youngster from the Tiwi Islands had a dream – a distant one at that – of playing footy at AFL level.
The talented small forward was dominating juniors in Darwin, but after being overlooked in the 2006 National Draft, he needed to take a leap of faith.
So, he did.
“I just finished year 12 and moved down to Adelaide to play in the SANFL with Norwood Footy Club,” Wonaeamirri told Melbourne Media.
“Then from there I was very lucky to get rookied by Melbourne.”
The 19-year-old’s life was moving quickly, and by Round 3 the next year, he was making his senior debut for the Demons.
Fast-forward another month and Wonaeamirri, the new kid on the block, was guiding Melbourne, the oldest club in the league, to its biggest comeback victory, ever.
“It’s still in the memory bank,” he said.
“I look back now and then when I get a chance.
“The way we came from behind to win, to come back from 50-odd points in the second half, it was just one of the things I’ll never forget.”
So, what was the inspiration behind the famous six-point win over Fremantle?
Well, even for ‘Aussie’, it’s hard to say.
“I don’t know how we did it, but we knew to never give up because you’re always a chance,” Woneamirri said.
“When you’re 50 points behind at half-time you go in the rooms a bit flat and you just want someone to do that exciting thing.”
And Wonaeamirri did just that.
After slotting his second for the afternoon, he leapt in the air and let his fists fly, producing a celebration for the ages which set his teammates, and the Demons faithful, alight.
“I look back now and it’s funny, but it’s something I’ll keep forever in my memory,” he said.
“I just wanted to get the boys going and I did a few celebrations to get everyone up and about.
“Once I did that, I knew we were coming.”
His moment of magic on the goal line, in the fourth minute of the final quarter, cut the margin back to 20 points, giving Melbourne genuine hope for the first time all season.
Contributions from Brad Miller and Russell Robertson kept the momentum going in the Dees’ favour, but there was only room for one hero in this match of footy.
With eight minutes left on the clock, it was a 10-point ball game, and the stage was set for the fifth gamer to put his name up in lights.
Wonaeamirri marked and goaled to make it a four-point game, and just 39 seconds later, Melbourne was in front – off the boot of that same teenager, of course.
He roved, snapped and put through his fourth, unleashing another celebration that turned this young Demon into a cult figure for life.
“I was just being myself, being me,” he said.
“It was a very special win for us and the club.
“It’s something that everyone still talks about to me back home in Darwin – the time we came from behind to win and I kicked four.
“I just say all I can remember is that second half. We came to play in the third and last quarter and I was happy to play my role and play my best for the team that day.”
Wonaeamirri’s performance that Sunday afternoon cemented a place in the club’s history, but most importantly, has given him a moment to cherish forever.
“I always wanted to play on the MCG and it’s something I’m proud of,” he said.
“I did that not only for myself, but for my family and my people as well.
“I’m very proud to have been able to pull on the red and blue jumper for the mighty Melbourne Footy Club.
“I just want to thank them for the opportunity they have given me to play AFL footy for the club.”
Wonaeamirri enjoyed every second of his 31 games for the Demons, and will always be remembered for his incredible efforts against the Dockers 12 years ago at the MCG.
