The West Coast Eagles' 2006 premiership team reunited at Optus Stadium on Sunday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their thrilling one-point grand final victory over the Sydney Swans. The reunion took place before and during the Eagles' clash with Richmond, with the 2006 heroes feted by the crowd and involved in several ceremonial activities.
Key players and moments remembered
The headliners of the reunion included Chris Judd and Ben Cousins, two of the era's premier midfielders, along with Norm Smith medallist Andrew Embley and premiership coach John Worsfold. Full-back Darren Glass, who kept Swans spearhead Barry Hall goalless in the 2006 decider, also featured prominently. Other notable attendees included Beau Waters, Michael Braun, Brett Jones, Rowan Jones, David Wirrpunda, Mark Seaby, Sam Butler, and Daniel Chick.
Chick's pivotal role in the 2006 grand final was highlighted, as his tackle, smother, handball, and shepherd led to a crucial goal by Adam Hunter in the final term. The moment is considered one of the greatest grand final plays. Chick's cheeky personality shone through as he accepted a beer from a fan during the reunion.
Emotional tribute to fallen teammates
The celebration was tinged with sadness as the club remembered 2006 premiership players Adam Selwood and Adam Hunter, both of whom passed away last year. Their contributions were honoured during the event.
Ruckman Dean Cox, who finished third in the Norm Smith Medal voting for his outstanding performance in the 2006 grand final, was absent as he was coaching Sydney against Melbourne at the SCG.
Ceremonial activities
The 2006 premiership heroes watched the current Eagles' pre-game warm-up in the bowels of Optus Stadium before making their way onto the ground. They were presented to the crowd alongside their partners, children, and parents. The golden oldies formed a guard of honour for the current-day Eagles as they ran onto the field, high-fiving each player. The 2006 team also participated in a half-time lap of honour.
Embley told Fox Sports during the break: "It's been a great few days to be able to share an incredible 20 years now. It's a great chance to reflect on a really special time for the club." Judd described the reunion as "like going back in a time machine," adding, "Braun is in very good nick and Tyson Stenglein hasn't aged a day and Ben Cousins is still looking fighting fit."
Embley's grand final heroics
Embley drew the biggest cheer from the crowd, just as he did on September 30, 2006, when he collected 26 possessions, had six bounces, and kicked two goals in the grand final. The reunion capped off a big 48 hours of celebration for the mid-noughties superstars, who on Friday night joined the inaugural Eagles from 1987 for a gala dinner at Crown, which doubled as a Hall of Fame induction.
Hall of Fame inductions
During the gala dinner, members of the Eagles' first two premierships—Worsfold, Glen Jakovich, Guy McKenna, and Peter Matera—were elevated to legend status. Embley, Drew Banfield, and the club's all-time leading goalkicker Josh Kennedy were inducted into the Hall of Fame. The gala also marked the 40th anniversary of the Eagles' first game, fittingly against Richmond at Subiaco Oval.
