Essendon’s final training session before tomorrow’s Wizard Cup opener was held on a drenched Manuka Oval. The firm ground left the water with nowhere to go and massive puddles developed all over the surface. Essendon’s training run last no longer than 30-minutes with coach Kevin Sheedy not wanting to drain his players in the tiring conditions. Essendon fitness coach John Quinn said that in his four years at the club he had never seen the side train in more difficult conditions.
Despite the conditions, Essendon captain James Hird said the side was looking forward to tomorrow’s game. “Last weekend’s hit out against Sydney was good but this is more like the real thing,” Hird said. “We want to do well in this competition.” Hird said that personally he was feeling good. “I’ve had a solid pre-season and it has been injury free,” Hird said.
When asked about the new rule that sees goals kicked from outside 50m awarded nine points, Hird pointed to the conditions. “Looking at things out there I think we will be more concerned about making sure we kick goals from 20m out,” he said.
The Essendon match committee won’t make a decision on the final 24 until tomorrow but given the conditions it would seem unlikely the side will be stacked with tall players. With the match committee keen to see more of Jason Laycock, Steven Alessio may be rested. Mark Bolton could share the ruck duties with Laycock and even Dustin Fletcher or Scott Lucas could have brief stints on the ball.
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