News

Bombers set for the sun

Sunday, 11 December 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

The Bombers are set for both the sun and the sand, as the club holds a week-long pre-season training camp on the Gold Coast from today.

General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the key objectives of the camp will be physical conditioning, game strategy and planning.   

“The week-long camp is a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together - the players, coaching panel and staff,” Hamilton said.  

“We have a lot of new staff in the football department so it really is a fantastic way to bring people closer together and enhance the culture of the team.

“The camp will provide the opportunity to make sure everyone is clear on our vision and where we want to go in the future and how we want to do it.

“We also want to hone in on what our specific goals are for individual players and the group.”

Hamilton said the ground conditions of Windy Hill meant the week-long Gold Coast camp would provide stability for the club’s training sessions before the Christmas period.

“While the trip to the Gold Coast wasn’t part of our original plans, we just felt that because of the state of the Windy Hill ground not being particularly good, we thought it would be nice to just get away with everyone together and train in the one spot.”

“We hope the Windy Hill ground will be in better condition post-Christmas,” he said.

Hamilton added the training camp would provide an opportunity for the players to enhance their physical conditioning and develop their football learning.

“Whilst the camp is about the players’ fitness levels and physical conditioning, it will also provide the opportunity for our coaches to really implement the game plan and teach our players,” he said.

“At the same time, we’ll definitely be working hard – there will be a lot of fitness elements to the training camp.”

Essendon Football Club would like to advise members and fans that there will not be an open training session at Windy Hill prior to the Christmas period due to the players being unable to train at the venue.

We look forward to providing more information regarding opportunities for our fans to see our players train in the New Year. 

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Great forthe players. How much is it costing?? as club is desperate for flight plan donation. A little confusing to me.

- Ralph Lepore (posted 11/12/2011 12:04:43 PM)

EI,who is responsible for the upkeep of Windy Hill. At this time of year sporting grounds should be at their very best.For a professional,multi million dollar club like ours,it is just not on that the ground is "not particularly good".

- Bill Carbis (posted 11/12/2011 1:54:02 PM)

No budgie smugglers boys - all boardies please!

- Brad Scarr (posted 11/12/2011 2:38:41 PM)

Lorne footy oval is in pristine condition and the beaches are as good as the Gold Coast! BC

- Brian Campbell (posted 11/12/2011 3:40:17 PM)

How about the QLD members that have seen 1 game up here in 5 years getting a look at the players? Are you planning on training under the cover of night to keep fans away while up here?

- Lee Slattery (posted 11/12/2011 4:10:29 PM)

is there a time we can see them in action during the stay in goldy??

- Adam Fry (posted 11/12/2011 4:19:02 PM)

Will there be open training sessions for Gold Coast fans?

- Shane Forster (posted 11/12/2011 5:43:01 PM)

Rookies! Shane Valenti? Gun in and under VFL footballer or Tucky, huge potential? A developing young ruck like Sandilands jnr or try get Laycock? Longy or Little? Can we give young lad Manson a home when we dont have our own as a club. Nathan Ablett as a rookie, he needs to play seniors straight away or it will not work otherwise. I look forward to this draft. I will also support our selections. Stay away from Fev is all I ask!

- Brad Scarr (posted 11/12/2011 6:10:37 PM)

Any chance for GC people to see the players train up here?

- Nicole Watson (posted 11/12/2011 6:36:18 PM)

Is there an open training session this week for us Queenslanders?

- Casey Scholten (posted 11/12/2011 8:27:09 PM)

Welcome to the new draftees! i just saw a 10 min replay of Aaron Hall this kid can really play! clean hands, reads the game well has pace kick either foot and has footy smarts! he would be a great addition on our rookie list. Go Bombers

- robert anderson (posted 11/12/2011 11:00:40 PM)

Welcome to our new draftees! iv'e just watched a 10 min replay of Aaron Hall! this kid can really play has great footy smarts plays everywhere, clean hands, has pace kicks both feet! reads the game well he would be a great addition on our rookie list. Go Bombers

- robert anderson (posted 11/12/2011 11:26:46 PM)

The odd supporter is confused alright..or should that read "confusing"?... if a few question the cost when our players and staff richly deserve their break up north,imo the first consideration with the sacrifices they make trying to reach the peak of their powers each year,scaling higher and higher mountains and goals to that next raid for the cup.. EI should be amongst our group,as a reward for putting up with some of us for another year.. he he ... Go Bombers,roll on to the Rookie Draft :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 12/12/2011 2:24:57 AM)

Getting a bit annoyed at the club over this - on the one hand making sure we know we're not welcome to any training sessions but on the other calling me at all hours of the night asking for another Flight Plan donation!

- Malcolm Oldham (posted 12/12/2011 3:48:24 AM)

Once again Noel, very close to the mark, but these guys are very, very well paid, some of our list well overpaid to play the game they love and if they use their brains are set for life and have more holidays and time off during the week than the normal worker... every footy kids dream..

- Mark McLachlan (posted 12/12/2011 9:53:42 AM)

Nice picture of the boys in the surf, would be even nicer if we could go and see the training activity, we of the queensland members could at least have the courtesy of seeing our blokes from a distance, hells bells we have seen them on very rare occasions up here, isn't our membership considered important, the treatment of Qld members seems to me a bit on the shabby side, make an effort, we support the club, why can't the club at least recognise our existance.

- Max Rodwell (posted 12/12/2011 10:07:05 AM)

Would love to know where to catch them training on the GC EI, and by the way welcome!

- Nicole Watson (posted 12/12/2011 10:55:55 AM)

Noel, I said it is great for the players. My question is the cost involved given the flight plan issue. You are so full of it.

- Ralph Lepore (posted 12/12/2011 11:01:40 AM)

You too Malcolm? we keep getting calls to renew our membership, which is fine except the caller warned my wife we had only 2 days left to renew when in fact we had nearly 2 weeks!

- Luke Smith (posted 12/12/2011 11:19:23 AM)

Casey - at this stage, unfortunately there are no open training sessions planned for the Gold Coast camp, however we will keep you posted if this situation changes.

- Essendon Insider (posted 12/12/2011 11:21:24 AM)

great post Ralph. full of jumbo sausage rolls. go bombers!! bring on 2012!

- ''sausage'' Roel Shields (posted 12/12/2011 11:23:37 AM)

Ralph, maybe the trip is financed by sponsors or influential supporters, like some other trips, just because Noel has an opinion on a subject doesn't mean he is "full of it", I know I would rather read his posts than most, don't always agree with them but can't fault them...oh & if Noel doesn't agree with someone else do you see him bag them..never

- Mark McLachlan (posted 12/12/2011 11:51:14 AM)

The trip is not a 'holiday' - paragraphs 1-6, 10. It was not originally scheduled and is due to not having a ground in Melbourne - paragraph 7-8. This is nothing new - see picture caption (it was at that camp that Jobe was confirmed as captain). To save money maybe we could have had them run up and down Puckle Street delivering lattes and vanilla slices? Or revive the 'beet test' if Kyle Reimers' car is in nearby.

- Kris Bayne (posted 12/12/2011 12:02:12 PM)

Noel, mate i think you "NEED" to come and breath some of this beautiful "FRESH TASSIE" air mate??? Cos whatever you are breathing now has gone very stale mate!!! And buy the way to Noel we have the "BIGGEST JUMBO" sausage rolls over here too buddy, should feel right at home mate!!! lol Cheers Ray.

- Ray Brough (posted 12/12/2011 12:13:23 PM)

EI - Thanks for the reply, even though the answer is as disappointing as I expected it to be. It's a shame the club seems to be withdrawing from its supporters. At least we can't be barred from the games up here, rare as they are.

- Casey Scholten (posted 12/12/2011 12:18:02 PM)

Robert Anderson, I agree with you about Aaron Hall, he is a real dasher with great agility, and while he is only 186cm tall, he takes good strong contested marks and is a good kick. He is only 21, so he should get even better, but he is training with the Suns, so they must be keen on him, and might swoop on him early.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 12/12/2011 12:36:42 PM)

Good call Ray.

- Ralph Lepore (posted 12/12/2011 1:13:59 PM)

Robert & Gordon I also agree about Aaron Hall, probably one of the best highlight clips I have seen, hope the club has a serious look at him

- Mark McLachlan (posted 12/12/2011 1:14:38 PM)

Shame no open training sessions on the GC, might have to go and watch GC train just to get my fix! They seem to welcome supporters!

- Nicole Watson (posted 12/12/2011 1:24:00 PM)

that posy by the armchair footabller mark must be a joke? right?

- ''sausage'' Roel Shields (posted 12/12/2011 1:34:51 PM)

just remember Ralph, I was there for MK 2007-2010. were you? and (to be confirmed) I will soon receive my 40 year member award once the membership dept. realise that they have it wrong. go you mighty black&reds!!

- Troel Shields (posted 12/12/2011 1:51:09 PM)

They changed the caption - that photo is from 2009.

- Kris Bayne (posted 12/12/2011 2:01:18 PM)

Ever heard of the saying "people who live in glass house shouldn't throw stones" or people who hide behind pseudonyms who post so much rubbish think only their posts are correct, very ordinary & make little or no sense

- Mark McLachlan (posted 12/12/2011 2:35:04 PM)

just remember Ray, I was a champion player at strathy primary before you even knew how to spell FOOTY mate let alone kick one. building!! thanks to MK!

- Troel Shields (posted 12/12/2011 2:44:23 PM)

I see the idiots are out in strength,all backing each other up and of course all connecting each other to each other.. meanwhile my support for the club,and my name remains the same... suffer you little minds.. Go You Mighty Bombers.. :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 12/12/2011 3:52:00 PM)

Yeah fair enough Mark,some very good points.. At least more earn their money than some in the Aussie side.. went down today to the Kiwis by 8 runs...

- Noel Shields (posted 12/12/2011 3:57:06 PM)

Come on Noel I played in a Grand Final against Aberfeldie Primary in 1966 for the maroon & light blues. I believe you were in Grade 6 in 1965 when the Bombers won the flag & Hugh Mitchell came to visit our school!! Some of us have long memories. Go you mighty Bombers. Grab that 17th flag ahead of the Blues...

- Graeme O'Brien (posted 12/12/2011 4:10:44 PM)

Appreciate your support Mark,the good supporters with something proper to say shine out like a beacon eh.. :-) The less genuine ones float away into oblivion very easily,which explains all the name changing.. he he.. Rest assured there is only one genuine Shields who posts here Mark :-) And Troel Shields,Sheeds was still here in 2007,and you are not on the membership roll buddy,not even for 40 days... Glad the players and staff are away just to annoy BD's "ralph" And Ray,nice thoughts,but afraid if I came down to Tassie,I would be unable to find you champ :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 12/12/2011 4:14:12 PM)

It is not me posting anything about Strathmore Primary in this forum Graeme if you look at the name properly.. I was never good enough to represent the school side.. :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 12/12/2011 4:22:32 PM)

Sorry Noel thought you were having a bit of fun with spelling and story telling! If either of the Shields' did go to Strathmore Primary you would remember Miss Moore who was dynamite on spelling & arithmetic and also a one-eyed Essendon supporter!

- Graeme O'Brien (posted 12/12/2011 4:40:32 PM)

:) go strathy primary. home of the champs. tehehe.

- N. """"woodduck"""" Shields (posted 12/12/2011 4:49:52 PM)

My teacher too Graeme.. won a book for "most improved boy" while in her class one year,'60 or '61... still have it.. :-) She lived in Carnarvon Road Strathmore,and for years later always loved saying hello to her while walking down the hill to my tram.. Thank you mate for the mentioning of a wonderful lady's name,forever in our hearts.. :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 12/12/2011 4:55:59 PM)

You are one indeed bob..

- Noel Shields (posted 12/12/2011 5:01:35 PM)

Good on you Noel once a Bomber always a Bomber through thick & thin. Keep up those passionate 'posts' always gives me a smile!! Have a great Christmas & to all the thousands of Bomber fans also, we have at least one thing in common red & black pumping through our veins.

- Graeme O'Brien (posted 12/12/2011 5:06:25 PM)

I am still here. Pity some can't the handle the truth and get upset he he.. Your blogs are boring he he...

- Ralph Lepore (posted 12/12/2011 5:20:49 PM)

EI' Will be visiting Brisbane on the 14th December for the Christmas holidays from Nauru Island. Will also be in Gold Coast. It will be a Christmas present never to be forgotten if I catch a glimpse of my heroes. Any chance of what beach side they will take a dip? Information please. Thanks & Regards Paul

- Paul Kun (posted 12/12/2011 6:05:56 PM)

Bit of a shame that we who live on the Gold Coast can't attend the training session. Why dont they let in anyone who can produce a membership card?

- Cameron Tout (posted 12/12/2011 6:19:10 PM)

Fantastic bonding opportunity, important aspect of building connection, support & understanding in a team. Lots of fun & laughter to be had I'm sure. Great to see.

- Gail Taylor (posted 12/12/2011 6:36:33 PM)

LOL, ah you would soon find me Noel, that "BREATH" of fresh air would take you straight to me mate!!!! lol P.S. Noel you might want to ask Diannne to come with you, if anyone is in need of some "FRESH" Tassie air our equivalent to "Caroline Wilson" surely is!!! lol Cheers Ray.

- Ray Brough (posted 12/12/2011 7:18:39 PM)

And yours are just plain dumb Ralphy boy.

- Brad Scarr (posted 12/12/2011 7:46:03 PM)

Labore,I know all about the truth laddie so stay as long as you like.. All it will do is bring to the attention of more real supporters the games you and your mates play... I would not trade the friendship of some real supporters in the Hangar that I have met (and communicate with) for anything,compare that to what you have got buddy... :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 12/12/2011 9:23:04 PM)

Raayy,where I live there is plenty of fresh air. Thanks for asking. Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 12/12/2011 10:22:08 PM)

Some of the exchanges on this site are getting childish and at times nasty. Stick to footy!

- Kris Bayne (posted 12/12/2011 10:58:03 PM)

Sorry to the Queensland supporters, But here's a lil vid Closed sessions Hirdy style.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wkOkVaseC4 Don't be to disappointed guys & GO BOMBERS....

- Rocky Furina (posted 13/12/2011 12:28:08 AM)

Hello Ray, might get seasick on the way to tassie? after all those jumbo sausage rolls? hey matey 5 PREMIERSHIPS this year to Surrey Park JFC where I currently do some work part time and 7 Oakleigh lads who I worked with taken in the draft. It has been a HUGE year!!! GO BOMBERS 2012. PS. disappointing to see Shields and ScarBras resorting to name calling on the forum when their backs against the wall?

- Bob Davies (posted 13/12/2011 9:02:54 AM)

well said Bayne. let's hope YOUR hangar friends heed your advice.!

- Bob Davies (posted 13/12/2011 9:07:17 AM)

Kris is in a stirrrrrrrrrr.......... Point taken mate!

- Brad Scarr (posted 13/12/2011 9:08:43 AM)

One flag for each identity? At last you can relate to the kids, although most would be more mature.

- Brad Scarr (posted 13/12/2011 10:24:54 AM)

Noel, if we ignore them and dont dignify their innane,childish,dumb,insulting comments with a reply,maybe they will just go away,that's what I want for Xmas anyway. :-) Go Dons.

- Bill Carbis (posted 13/12/2011 10:59:46 AM)

Oh thank goodness you have had me so worried.. sniff :-( Now bobby dear,stay and be yourself stop all these names and name changing & being unkind to others ,just not you..I cant see, where are my tissues..sob..how I have missed my bobby..sniff..boy.. Everybody ..sniff.. be nice to my pride and joy now he is back..NOW i can rest easy !

- M. Dickson-Davies (posted 13/12/2011 1:13:03 PM)

Hi Bobby, that's great effort mate well done!!! Its so rewarding to see kids develop, that you have put time and effort into!!! Then there are the "CLOWNS" on here like the Scar Bras And Silly Billy and co, that most people would forget more about footy than they know??? lol

- Ray Brough (posted 13/12/2011 3:46:18 PM)

You forgot your 'lol' Facebook Raaaybie. Original comment though. Haven't heard you use that one before. Oh yeah, you would be still on dial up, bit slower down there. Stay comfy in the armchair.

- Brad Scarr (posted 13/12/2011 5:22:33 PM)

thanks ray,sure nice to be back under my own names for once,dont know hoo i'm talkin too or about sometimes i get so confused..one of my cups fell and hit me on the noggin,but hey didn't feel a thing.. cuckoo :-) cuckoo:-)

- Medclub Bob (posted 13/12/2011 5:49:06 PM)

Fair enough Bill,pretty hard to see the quality of the forums go down the gurgler without challenging the culprits,but we keep on thinking of the big picture here,and that is our Club,while the few you mention just sit on their own grenades while posting another swipe at someone else.. Meanwhile,back at the ranch,the Bomberland momentum is gathering for settling a few scores in the coming years.. Go Dons!!

- Noel Shields (posted 13/12/2011 5:58:49 PM)

Good to see the Tassie devil still following his leader, the Oakleigh Oaf like a little lap dog. Oops, I advised others to ignore them,I must try harder. And just to finish off Raybie, I reckon I probably played more games than you have watched.

- Bill Carbis (posted 13/12/2011 7:52:35 PM)

Come on guys. 1 public training session, a snag and a few autographs for interstate members who shell out hard earned every year? I just put a couple hundred into the bomber shop and flight plan. Bit dissappointed with this bombers.

- Andrew Cunningham (posted 13/12/2011 8:34:48 PM)

soccer does not count silly billy. aussie rules rules my friend!

- Bob Davies (posted 14/12/2011 2:14:47 PM)

See Bill, the best solution once used to be the sandwich de knuckle.. You can't do that nowadays,especially against a little delicate purple rose.. :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 14/12/2011 4:36:52 PM)

whenever I am going down to centrelink for a walk if anyone insults the mighty bombers then look out!! go you mighty black&reds!!

- Doel 'bludga' Shields (posted 20/12/2011 3:21:43 PM)