Sunday was never really meant to be Essendon's day. Not only did the team go down to Port Adelaide, but a few Bombers didn't even make it to the game! Assistant Coach Terry Daniher, and runner Neil Clarke didn't arrive at Football Park as poor weather forced the plane they were on to detour north to Alice Springs!

Heavy fog made it too dangerous to land at Adelaide's airport, so the pilot took the plane to Alice Springs where Terry and Neil spent the day - and last night - away from the game. Luckily ex-player David Flood was on hand to step in as the second runner, but Terry wasn't able to offer any coaching comments during the game from a few thousand kilometres north.

A plane only a few hours earlier carrying all the trainers, a few medical staff and key stats man Anthony Northwood almost didn't make it either, circling above the airport for half an hour before making the descent. Luckily the players flew over the day before!