Jobe Watson dedicated the win to his friend, James Hird. Picture: Getty
ESSENDON remains adamant coach James Hird will remain at the helm of the club after his side's stunning Patersons Stadium comeback against Fremantle.
The Bombers were totally dominated by the Dockers and trailed by 36 points at halftime, but six straight third-quarter goals saw them just three points down at the last break.
Yet through Paddy Ryder's amazing left-foot snap with a minute left and then Chris Mayne's snap which clipped the post, the Bombers climbed to 3-0 in the most extraordinary circumstances.
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It was one of the great comebacks in recent memory after such a mentally draining week for the players.
The players last night devoted the win to their coach, under siege after the AFL suggested he stand down because of allegations about personal drug use.
Captain Jobe Watson paid tribute to his coach after the game after such an intense week of pressure.
"Hirdy is a friend to us, he is our coach, we feel for him and his family and he means a lot to us. We fought, and we couldn't be prouder."
His words were echoed by Brendon Goddard, who was exceptional in the second-half surge.
"That is one of the best wins I have been involved in. For everyone out there, we're backing Hirdy."
Last night Hird said the truth would come out about his involvement in the end.
"You take your challenges and you go forward and you meet them head on. People say things that are untrue. You know you have the truth on your side, and when you have the opportunity you tell the whole truth, and when the whole truth comes out I think I will be in a very good position and so will the footy club. When the truth comes out, I will be in a very good position.
AFL. Essendon vs. Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Picture: Coppel Alex Source:
"I am the coach of the Essendon football club. And until someone tells me I am not, I am the coach."
He was supported by his senior assistant coach Mark Thompson, who said there had been no talk at the club given to Hird stepping down while the ASADA investigation took place.
Braden Quartermain's votes: 3 Jake Carlisle (Ess); 2 Michael Hibberd (Ess); 1 Nathan Fyfe (Frem)
"He is a pretty tough lad. It's important he stands up and continues to coach. That's what we have encouraged him to do and that's what he is going to do and he is going to do it well," Thompson said.
"It hasn't been discussed. My plans are not to coach, so I'll probably work for Hirdy. We haven't talked about that. We haven't even discussed that and we don't expect it to happen."
Paddy Ryder, amazing in the last quarter, looks in serious trouble after a first-quarter bump on Fremantle defender Luke McPharlin.
Ryder flushed McPharlin's chin - opening it up - after jumping off the ground as the Fremantle player went for the ball.
Even an assessment of reckless contact with high impact and contact to McPharlin's head would be level four rough conduct and a potential three-match ban after a guilty plea.
Small forward Nick Kommer might also come under scrutiny for a line-ball incident in which he clipped Kepler Bradley's head with his hip.
Defender Dustin Fletcher was subbed midway through the third term, while Michael Hurley's last-second spoil to clinch victory saw him re-injure his wrist as he left the ground.
AFL. Essendon vs. Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Picture: Coppel Alex Source:
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