Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy has left no stone unturned as his side prepares for its Ansett Cup semi-final clash with Melbourne, putting his players through a searching two- hour training session at Essendon Grammar tonight.

Despite the sweltering heat, Sheedy kept his players running hard for much of the session in preparation for the clash.

James Hird trained for all but the final 10 minutes of the session and barring any mishaps during the rest of the week looks certain to make his much-awaited return at waverley this week.

Hird looked extremely sharp during the session and is raring to get back among the action.

Only Scott Lucas failed to join in the session. He ran laps and is just one week away from returning to the action after overcoming a strained quadricep.

Should the Bombers get over the top of Melbourne this weekend they will take on the winner of the other semi-final between Carlton and North Melbourne.

The AFL announced yesterday that the Ansett Cup grand final would be played at the MCG.

The Bombers final training run of the week will be this Friday at Essendon Grammar commencing at 4.00pm. This Saturday's match at Waverley commences at 7.40pm.

Essendon's reserves will also hit the park this weekend in the lead up to the seniors match. The reserves will take on Sandringham/Melbourne and the match will start at 5.30pm.