""You always learn something from that game even though the conditions are compromised by the size of the ground. It might be a young kid who shows a bit or a seasoned player coming back from injury - we will take something away from that game,"" Essendon assistant coach Robert Shaw said. ""One thing that I do know is that it is a fantastic opportunity for our Sydney fan base to come and watch the team.""
Shaw said the club was focused on producing a competitive performance against Carton in Round 1 of the Wizard Cup. Essendon’s Melbourne-based fans are likely to get their first look at some of the club’s new talent with 2004 draft selection Paul Thomas one player pushing for selection.
""He is a 22-year-old Magarey Medallist who is physically ready and understands the game – he is one player we will look at that came out of the last draft,"" Shaw said. ""But I think it will be some of the players that have been here two or three seasons that will create some excitement among our fans. The likes of Kepler Bradley, Jason Laycock, Jason Winderlich and Marc Bullen have produced very solid pre-seasons.""
Shaw said he expected a Carlton side ready to play in the Wizard Cup opener.
""I have watched Carlton and they are ready. They are very enthusiastic about the season ahead and they have a young and exciting list coming through. And they are also coached by Denis Pagan – they will be ready,"" Shaw said.
""We want a hard hit out and hopefully we can find a couple of players – if you get rolled in the process you can cop that. But we never want to have happen what happened at Manuka Oval against the Kangaroos a couple of years back when we were embarrassed.""
Live scoring for the Essendon v Sydney match will be available at essendonfc.com.au.
The match commences at 7pm and tickets are available from Ticketek on (02) 92664800.
