Who could forget bomber fans in the 80s and 90s. They weren't obnoxious. But they were entitled. And patronising. I was very envious.
Most symbolic was the year we beat them in round 22 and were *smile*-a-hoop, only to be flogged the week after. Over at quarter time. Was that 2001?
There's no doubt in my mind that they threw that game.
Have a look at the Round 21, 2001 ladder.
Essendon could not lose top spot, and if they had beaten us, then they'd have been playing Carlton or Hawthorn the next week in the Qualifying Final, both of whom they clearly respected more. More than likely it would have been Carlton and they had lost to them twice during the year.
By losing to us, they guaranteed it would be us again the following week (and they had belted us earlier in the year).
Not that I am opposed to that. If you work your way into such a position of power by winning early, then I see no problem is using it to your advantage.
But they got their comeuppance on Grand Final day.