West Australian rover, Wayne Otway, Bomber number 889, was 25 years young when he played his first game for the Bombers in round 1, 1982. Two hours later, having amassed 28 disposals and kicked five goals, the Essendon supporters had a new hero to cheer for. If not for injuries, Otway may well have been roving in the back-to-back premierships of 1984-85, however, it was not to be and after just 36 games (and 65 goals) he returned to WA at the end of 1983 to play again with his original club, East Perth, where he was a premiership player (1978) and former best and fairest winner (1980).

This episode of The Red & Black Project is proudly brought to you by the Essendonians, the Essendon Past Players & Officials Association, and daneddybooks.com.

Go Bombers!