Emerging midfielder, Bachar Houli, today described Essendon's Telstra AFL Community Camps and Regional Supporter Group visits as a great opportunity to inspire future players.
""It's been a massive opportunity for us to meet the kids,"" he said.
""Lots of kids don't have the support they need and we can visit, give them hope for the future and give them a chance to meet their idols.
""Hopefully we can show them what it takes to be the best in their sport.""
Thousands of Essendon and AFL fans came face-to-face with Bomber stars today as players and coaches visited 11 towns throughout Victoria and Tasmania.
The players and coaches held junior football clinics, presented debut jumpers to past players and took part in other functions.
Houli, who visited Melton, said the players enjoyed the break from their usual pre-season routine.
""Sometimes you need a break because it's full-on around this time of year,"" he said.
""The games are coming up and people are getting nervous so it's good to get out and have a kick with the kids.""
The 20-year-old, who has played 14 games since being drafted in 2006, described this year's pre-season as ""fantastic"".
""The training load has been really good - we are being individually managed and it's been great because each player is physically different and takes different training loads,"" he said.
""Personally, my groin has recovered and it's been six months since I last ran out with the boys and I can't wait to get out there and have some fun.""
Pictures of the visits will be available in the website photo gallery and a Bomber.tv 'behind the scenes' story on the players who visited Portland, Hamilton and Warnambool will be available on Monday.
