""It is of enormous benefit to us remaining in the Wizard Cup for a number of reasons. Firstly it is important for match fitness. We had four players return last night and they will benefit from the hit-out,"" Harvey said.
""There is more pressure in the Wizard Cup than in practice matches, so it is ideal preparation for our players for the home and away season. Finally, you can’t put a value on the confidence a win gives you. It is always good to carry winning form into the season,"" Harvey said. Essendon has not advanced to a semi final of the pre-season competition since it won in 2000.
There were no injuries to come out of the Bombers’ match last night, but Harvey indicated there still might be some changes. Mark Alvey played his first match in nearly 12-months after returning from a knee reconstruction. He was in the thick of the action for the Bendigo Bombers’ in a practice match at Moorabbin last Friday. Click here for more details.
""We (the coaching panel) wanted Mark to return in a match that wasn’t as high pressured as a Wizard Cup game, that was always the plan. The match was of enormous benefit to him and he will definitely push for senior selection this week,"" Harvey said.
