News

Bombers maintain demanding pre-season

Friday, 20 January 2012
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

With the NAB Cup competition only four weeks away, the Bombers are continuing an intense pre-season campaign under second-year coach James Hird and a new high performance team led by Dean Robinson.

Watch the Recovery Room with Paul Hamilton here on Bomber TV →

General manger of football operations Paul Hamilton said he was impressed with the way the playing group have adapted to the newly implemented training programs this pre-season.

“The players have come back in really good spirits, with really positive attitudes,” Hamilton said.

“They are getting stronger with hardened bodies and they have been really enthusiastic.

“The new fitness team has been very proactive particularly in terms of getting the boys stronger and harder.”

Key forward Michael Hurley is continuing to make positive progress as he takes part in modified training programs after suffering a twinge in his hamstring in the past week.

“He is back running and running really well but we are going to be conservative with him because he is an important player for us,” Hamilton told BomberTV.

“Before we have him doing full competitive training, we want to make sure he is certain (to go) and we have got the opportunity to do so during the pre-season.”

23-year-old Scott Gumbleton is continuing a modified training program as he returns to the track from a slight back problem.

“Scott is in the depths of his rehab program at the moment and we need to be conservative given the history. We are all hoping he can come through really well,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said key position players Jason Winderlich, Courtenay Dempsey and Brent Prismall - who are all recovering from knee surgery – were making pleasing progress with their recovery regimes.

“Jason and Courtenay are certainly up and running and we are seeing some really positive signs from both those players,” Hamilton said.

“Pris is well ahead of schedule as well so all three of them are progressing really well and when you have been out and missed most of the year, you can imagine the enthusiasm they have got (to get back on the field)."

Hamilton said the players were raring to go ahead of the upcoming NAB Cup competition, with the Bombers kicking off their campaign against both Fremantle and the West Coast Eagles at Patersons Stadium.

“It is exciting because I think what happens is you get to January and the players have done a large chunk of work and are really keen to start testing themselves out against opposition so for them it could not come quicker,” Hamilton said.

Don't miss your favourite Bombers doing battle with the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars in an all-star cricket showdown at Windy Hill on Australia Day. Click here for more information.

PLAYER PROFILE: Michael Hurley
PLAYER PROFILE: Brent Prismall
PLAYER PROFILE: Jason Winderlich

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Great news on Gumby,only a slightie... I'm still doing a refresha on the words of the Gumbleton Island TV theme song,just in case the Minnow sails again to take Scotty there for a few days R & R,but back before the NAB matches start in his home state... Go You Mighty Bombers !!

- Noel Shields (posted 20/01/2012 1:23:12 AM)

Ready Bill... a-one..a-two.. "Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, A tale of a fateful trip That started from this tropic port Aboard this tiny ship..." :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 20/01/2012 1:26:42 AM)

well it about all most here already the Nab Cup can.t wait for it look luck to the Team

- MARK JONES (posted 20/01/2012 8:23:02 AM)

every one agrees, Michael Hurley is a very important member of our team, why then haven't we signed him to a long term contract, from all accounts he is still very high on G W S's priority list, we should be making every effort to remove him from harms way, if we need him feed him.

- Max Rodwell (posted 20/01/2012 9:49:38 AM)

Injuries in this game are inevitable, only hope none this year are season ending. Recovery regimes & depth are vital for a successful season & strong finals campaign. Was interesting how Geelong was able to rest players throughout the season in 2011. Looks as though our depth is very good. Promising. I have expressed the obvious haven't I. Oh well. keep it up Dons, everyone's excited me thinks.

- Gail Taylor (posted 20/01/2012 10:22:05 AM)

EI When Ohh when are the Bombers going to have an open training session. SEN again announced this morning that 4 other Victorian teams are having open training sessions today !!! You said last week you would look into it. How hard is it to look into this & get a yes or no ? I know the club needs to do most things in private, but I'm so disappinted to be shut out of from the bombers 100% of the training season :-(

- Charles Taylor (posted 20/01/2012 11:34:41 AM)

Charles - I understand your frustration and as I said previously, we are still working with the football department to secure a date. Please understand that we are aware Bomber fans would like these sessions. In the mean time, come down to Windy Hill on Australia Day to see a number of our boys play against cricket elite. More details at http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/a/Australia-Day-Goes-GLoBALL/8788

- Essendon Insider (posted 20/01/2012 11:39:49 AM)

4 weeks to go,seems every year I get more excited or am I just an easy excitable bomber girl.Footy starting soon.That means,supercoach and dreamteam leagues starting.Not sure if I can wait 4 weeks.Noel,you make me laugh.Thanks.Received my AFL membership card in the mail,has a picture of Zaka on the front and looking good.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 20/01/2012 11:54:03 AM)

Our player list has David Hille at 202cm, and Paddy Ryder at 196cm, but for years the list had Hilley at 201cm, and Paddy at 197cm. Can someone tell us how tall these guys really are?

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 20/01/2012 12:13:09 PM)

I agree with Charles Taylor about the lack of opportunities for the supporters to see the players at training. The Australia Day cricket game is one thing but not the real footy thing. I'm surprised because I thought some open training sessions would be a big chance to enthuse supporters, and to boost membership and sales from the Bomber Shop.

- Terence Burke (posted 20/01/2012 12:32:47 PM)

I know we crave news on our boys, but no more on Gumby please Paul / EI! Lets just see him running out in Perth for the first NAB game. The missing link to pinching a flag one year earlier than is penciled in.

- Brad Scarr (posted 20/01/2012 12:37:36 PM)

Ahh yes, another pre-season reaching its conclusion. The boys are tanned, super fit and strong, intra-club games are about to commence...... oh, and Gumby is doing the modified training program because he has a "slight" back problem. We all sympathise with the poor bloke and hope that this year, yes THIS year, he will play out a full season. Good luck Gumby.

- Rob Carew (posted 20/01/2012 2:41:25 PM)

.."am I just an easy excitable bomber girl"?...someone has to say it Diane.. in your words,you are "an easy excitable bomber girl".. You love your Bombers,and your Family.. :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 20/01/2012 2:47:52 PM)

EI - when can we expect to see the Rookie profiles on the website please ?

- Rob Carew (posted 20/01/2012 2:53:57 PM)

Noel, I'll get back to you when I stop giggling :) :-) :-)

- Bill Carbis (posted 20/01/2012 3:06:07 PM)

I like Courtney's new Grizzly Adams look, he's looking bigger, stronger and definitely wilder. I'm picking a particularly big season for that boy, the one he would have had last year

- tim j (posted 20/01/2012 3:10:44 PM)

Noel, This tiny ship has a sterling crew, And sails of Red and Black, If Gumby's health is not askew,We'll have a great attack, Our shipwreck days are gone for good, Smooth seas are with us now,We'll win the flag,and as we should, We'll hang it from the bow.

- Bill Carbis (posted 20/01/2012 4:29:13 PM)

Seems a fair few fans are complaining about te lack of access to the teams training , well spare a thought for the ones from Queensland, they were here, and no access was allowed, seems very unfair, and not a good image for interstate members, the question was asked if our memership was at all important to the club, we are starved for club and team up here, have only one game up here in the last four years, now we have to travel to the Gold coast to see them this year, we appear to be the forgotten race up here, but we still love our team and our great game, but it hurts to be ovrlooked.

- Max Rodwell (posted 20/01/2012 6:23:07 PM)

Happy New Year Bomber lovers. You are all in fine form already. Max I share your concern about Michael Hurley's signing, I was told this week that Sheedy has already got his man! I only hope this is so wrong! Go Bombers! Rob Box.

- Robert Box (posted 20/01/2012 11:08:29 PM)

Charles in the paper this morning,it read where fans can go and watch the players from 7 teams and Essendon run around.We dont need to follow other clubs.Tigers are not having open training sessions until feb.Have been to a few and would rather go and watch them play a game of cricket against the bushrangers anyday.If all we can complain about is an open session,then they must be doing something right.Would prefer to see them do well throughout the season,but thats only my opinion.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 20/01/2012 11:18:01 PM)

Love your work Bill and Noel. I for one, have bought a membership to see my boys play throughout the season and hopefuly finals.Not having open training sessions,would not deter me from buying a membership.Essendon make me feel part of their family,and never make me feel shut out.The club has many great things we are able to participate in,to make us feel a part of this great club.Open session is a very small part.Get down there and watch the boys on the 26th for an open session.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 20/01/2012 11:31:25 PM)

Teams in many sport hold closed sessions, usually because they don't want distraction or they have something they wish to keep to themselves. Sorry for stating the obvious.

- Kris Bayne (posted 21/01/2012 9:16:52 AM)

Gordon, perhaps Hilley passing over an extra centimetre to Paddy is in indication that the latter will shoulder most of the ruck load this year GRIN

- alec shiffman (posted 21/01/2012 10:27:01 AM)

Absolute legend Bill,what a talent :-) :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 21/01/2012 12:24:14 PM)

EI, no genuine footy fan wants to see cricket, which cures insomnia.Can't we have a light training session followed by some refreshments and autograph signings. Not asking for too much. That's what fans are asking for. Are you guys really serious about getting 60,000 members?

- Roger Youil (posted 21/01/2012 12:28:43 PM)

In 2012, look out for P. Ryder!

- Duncan Eastey (posted 21/01/2012 2:51:53 PM)

Easily the hardest part of a year is from season's end to pre-season cup. With four weeks to go I can feel the excitement building. Good the hear that most players are on track for round one, and those that aren't are on the path to recovery.

- Wesley Hull (posted 21/01/2012 3:06:44 PM)

Kris Bayne (posted 21/01/2012 9:16:52 AM) Kris, I fully support the idea of closed training sessions by the Bombers for most of the time. But also think once a month they coud open one session up for the supporters to support & get involved with. They have now been training for 3 months, surely one open session would not hurt, & could help memberships as well. Just my opinion though !!

- Charles Taylor (posted 21/01/2012 4:44:01 PM)

Good one Alec, but according to the player list, Paddy is 1cm shorter this year than in previous years, and Hilley is 1cm taller, so maybe Paddy gave Hilley a centimetre because the former would rather not play in the ruck.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 21/01/2012 6:11:10 PM)

Read with interest someone's reaction to my last historical post concerning premierships. Every Bomber supporter will show it in their own way, usually acccording to their own interests. Mine happens to be history. Personally, I will always study the past for clues to the future, whether that bothers other posters or not. It's that interest that has helped get by without footy since September (many months ago...). So, try this one out.

- Wesley Hull (posted 21/01/2012 7:14:25 PM)

What other club can give you King Richard (Reynolds), Albert the Great (Thurgood), Caeser (Jack) and Hercules (Vollugi)? A side which produces the Officer (Ned & Augustus) and a Gentleman (Hutchison)? A side both Swift (Alfred) and smooth as Silk (Sid). A team for the everyman...Baker, Tyler, Plummer? A team where the centreline alone is a sentence...Anderson Kickett Long. A team of greats from Abbott to Zinnick. Essendon's history...add more if you have them.

- Wesley Hull (posted 21/01/2012 8:41:10 PM)

Can you watch the sound levels on these packages or normalise the volume before uploading it? I had to turn the volume way up to hear Paul and then got absolutely blasted from the next question. Bit of post-production work would be great.

- Chris Follett (posted 21/01/2012 10:43:31 PM)

What do you do with your spare time, Wes chuckle

- alec shiffman (posted 23/01/2012 11:22:56 AM)

Wesley, magnificent.

- Bill Carbis (posted 23/01/2012 11:32:23 AM)

Max Rodwell liked your comments on number of games in Bris. By the way, on Nov 30 attended your rel, Murray Rodwell, funeral in Canberra, Bombers scarf drapped over casket, & Bombers theme song played continuously as background to a solid Bombers supporter last farewell, sad.

- Graeme Coad (posted 23/01/2012 2:05:00 PM)

If the guys from queensland are worried about not getting up close and personal, spare a thought for those members living overseas...All we get are the tv replays and posts. Lucky there are a few comedians amongst bomber supporters .... Anyway I've got my red & black ticket and waiting patiently for the bomber take off...go bombers

- john watson (posted 23/01/2012 8:16:14 PM)