Inspirational Bomber captain James Hird is rated a 70/30 chance of being fit to take on Geelong at Colonial Stadium this Sunday. Hird injured his groin during the Bomber's clash with Fremantle and missed last weekend's match against the Western Bulldogs. He didn't join the full-scale training session at Colonial Stadium this afternoon - instead doing straight-line running drills with Dean Wallis around the boundary line. ""The longer week gives him a better chances than he otherwise would have been - we'll have a look at him on Friday,"" Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy said.

The Bombers are certain to regain Damien Hardwick and Jason Johnson while Dean Rioli (migraine) and John Barnes (groin) both trained strongly today. Steven Alessio will be considered for a recall with one VFL game under his belt while Justin Blumfield will return through the VFL this weekend.

In his pre-training press conference, Sheedy said he believed the rules regarding rough play and charging needed to be clarified. His comments came after the Bombers appealed against the two-match suspension handed out to vice-captain Sean Wellman last night. ""Obviously we can't really talk about it at the moment, but from a point of view of supporting the players we think it should be looked at,"" Sheedy said. ""It can be difficult to get a clear guide on some rules, but that variety is something that makes our game great.""

""In the next twelve months I would like to see a panel put in place who will sit down and ask 'where do we want our game to be in the next five years'. In the years to come we have to decide if we want our game to remain the same or not"" Sheedy said. He went on to say that he would not play a role in this proposed intiative and would continue to coach for the next 5 years. ""But I would like to see people such as David Parkin, John Kennedy or Ron Barassi involved there"" he said.

Sheedy also took the opportunity to float another idea - that of an women's football exhibition match. ""I'd love to see a half an hour match played before Essendon's game on Mother's day next year"" he said. ""I think it's a great way to promote and to market our game, we have so many female fans, why don't we incorporate them, let's get Tracy Bartram on to it!"" he said.