Adam Ramanauskas took time out from training yesterday to catch up withBrisbane Lions opponent Des Headland, Gorden Tallis from the BrisbaneBroncos and Rodney Howe from the Melbourne Storm. In a day of blockbustermatches - Essendon take on Brisbane at Colonial Stadium this evening andthe Melbourne Storm do battle with the Brisbane Broncos at Olympic Parkthis afternoon - the four players had a brief chat about the differentfooty codes.

Ramanauskas and Headland got pointers off the two Rugby League stars on howto tackle. ""Tallis is my height and he weighs 108kg. Steve Alessio weighs108kg but he is 203cm tall. I can't believe how much bigger the rugbyplayers are to Des and I. I am glad we only practiced the rugby tackles onthe tackle bag, and not Gorden and Rodney onto Des and I - because I wouldhave been in a bit of trouble!"" Ramanauskas said.

Ramanauskas will be in action tonight at Colonial Stadium and said theBombers will need to be at their best to beat the reigning premiers. ""It isgoing to be a tough match. Brisbane is a fantastic side and they haveproven that with their form over the past two years. We haven't beaten themsince 2000, so that is added incentive for us,"" Ramanauskas said.