Carlton. Essendon. Those two words conjure a special tension among supporters of both iconic clubs, built on the countless dramas played out between them in recent decades.
The 1968 Grand Final ignited a tradition of fierce rivalry – arguably the greatest involving any AFL clubs in the modern era – and has triggered unforgettable head-to-head encounters involving some of the game’s greatest protagonists – Nicholls versus McKenzie, Doull versus Daniher, Williams versus Denham.
Those many and varied Carlton-Essendon wars are recounted here in vivid detail by some of the key figures of both clubs – and through the eyes of a passionate family with divided loyalties, whose off-field stoushes more than matched the on-field dramas. Theirs is a unique nostalgic take on the fierce battles between the Blues and the Bombers right up to the present day.
Matthew Lloyd and Stephen Silvagni go head-to-head. (Photo: AFL Photos)
We Were Robbed! A rivalry for the ages is more than a celebration of the magnificent contests waged between the Carlton and Essendon football clubs. The book also celebrates the life and times of Charlie Herridge (1927-2013) - a paid-up member of the Bombers for 75 years unbroken. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Charlie never forgave his eldest son for barracking for the Blues.
Author and unabashed Carlton fan Greg Herridge has unearthed some hilarious anecdotes involving people connected with both clubs, amongst them the premiership and best-and-fairest players Geoff Southby (Carlton) and Hugh Mitchell (Essendon), who have contributed with their own unique tales of their respective clubs.
We Were Robbed! is littered with the colourful insights of a legion of famous club identities – Mike Fitzpatrick, Simon Madden, Glenn Manton, Ian Rice and Greg Sewell to name but a few.
The book also deals with the enduring themes of loyalty, passion and some intra-family feuding in a way which will resonate with those beyond the white line.
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