Paul Salmon - Wednesday 11th March 2026

March 11, 2026·22 min·1 clip

Essendon-Hawthorn legend Paul Salmon joins to preview the Fish Cup and relive their brutal 80s grand final rivalry.

The episode centres on Paul Salmon, the Essendon and Hawthorn legend after whom the Fish Cup is named, ahead of the Friday night AFL clash between the two clubs. Salmon joined Essendon in 1981, played reserves in 1982, and debuted in seniors in 1983, the year Hawthorn beat the Bombers in a grand final. He describes the physical nature of the rivalry and the culture of both clubs in the 1980s. Salmon missed the 1984 grand final with a knee reconstruction but sat in the crowd, recounting a vivid story about a wealthy Essendon supporter who repeatedly threatened to pull his financial backing as the Bombers trailed by five goals at three-quarter time, only to watch the famous last-quarter comeback unfold. He discusses coaches Kevin Sheedy and Alan Jeans, contrasting Sheedy's demanding and brutal preparation style with Jeans being a more beloved figure. Salmon identifies the Sheedy-Jeans rivalry as the driving force behind the clubs' intense on-field battles. He recalls Sheedy's famous post-match speech after the 1983 grand final loss, threatening to remove anyone who enjoyed the night. On his trade to Hawthorn at age 31, Salmon says Sheedy suggested retirement and warned Hawthorn they would get little football from him. Salmon describes the trade as historically strong: Darren Jarman went to Adelaide and won two premierships, and Paul Barnard and Sean Wellman went to Essendon and played in the 2000 flag. Salmon was named in Hawthorn's team of the century despite only five years at the club. He describes walking into Hawthorn and meeting childhood heroes including Peter Hudson. Playing against Essendon for the first time in Hawthorn colours was emotional, and Salmon cried after the match. He later briefly returned to Essendon in 2002 and refused to play against Hawthorn. On Zach Merrett, Salmon argues Essendon had a legal right to hold him but that a truly great club would have let a six-time best-and-fairest winner leave. He draws a direct personal parallel. Salmon also praises the return of AFL State of Origin, noting the only limitation is selection by reputation rather than form given the pre-season timing. He tips Hawthorn for the Friday night Fish Cup match.

As heard by us

A rivalry chat that folds in club history, trade candour, and a plain Friday-night tip.

Paul Salmon takes a Friday-night footy preview and lets it wander into a proper Bombers-Hawks history lesson, drawn from someone who was there for it.

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Why you'd press play

Press play for a rivalry yarn that ends with a Hawthorn tip.

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