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Essendon has left out Steve Alessio, Jordan Bannister, Marc Bullen and James Davies for its Wizard Cup opener against the Kangaroos at Manuka Oval this afternoon. The absence of Alessio throws a significant challenge at the feet of rookie ruckman Jason Laycock who will be asked to carry a heavy workload in his first serious hit out for the club. The sun is out in Canberra and ground conditions have improved. Live scoring on the BomberLand website from 2.40pm.
Essendon Football Club’s growing reputation as a side that attracts rain wherever it plays has been further enhanced in Canberra in the past 24 hours. This is a part of Australia that has been desperately in need of rain – particularly a few weeks ago when bushfires raged through the region. And it has been the Bombers to the rescue. Since the team arrived here it hasn’t stopped raining. Manuka Oval was soaked at this morning’s training session.
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We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Custodians on whose Country we are based. We acknowledge their ongoing connection to Country and pay respect to their Elders, past and present. We extend that acknowledgement and respect to all First Nations peoples throughout Australia.
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