Former champion North Melbourne player Barry Cable addressed the Bombers on their recent trip to Perth. Cable, a dual premiership player who played 133 games, gave a motivational speech to the Essendon players as they embark on their quest to win back-to-back flags. Cable spoke to the players for about 30 minutes on Saturday at the Duxton Hotel where the players were staying in Perth.

""The players really enjoyed what he had to say - he was a great player and has the respect of all those in the football world,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said. ""He played in a very good side and he spoke about that and the opportunity the players have this year. Players learn from listening to people with that type of experience so I'm sure it was worthwhile.""

The Cable speech obviously had the Bombers pumped up when they hit Subiaco Oval on Saturday night. The 89-point demolition of the Eagles was one of its best performances of the season.