Although boxing is not permitted on the football field, it is a standard part of football training. Boxing is a fantastic way for players to improve their aerobic capacity and strength. When the Essendon Football Club gymnasium was renovated two years ago, a proper boxing ring was installed for the players to utilise.

Not only is boxing a compulsory part of football training, so is using the speedball. Training on the speedball not only helps players improve their aerobic capacity and strength; it also helps with their hand-eye coordination.

Former Essendon fitness coach Jim Bradley invented the speedball. Bradley has returned to Windy Hill to help the younger players with their boxing techniques. Bradley comes to the club each Thursday morning and spends a few hours with the playing group.

Fitness coach John Quinn said it is fantastic to have a person of Jim Bradley’s calibre at the club. ""Jim’s experience in the boxing sector is second to none. He has been working with the younger players and helping them improve their boxing technique on the speedball. This will help the players training efficiency and they will get the most out of their workout.

""Jim has also spent years training elite sprinters and knows how to get the best out of athletes. It has been great to have him at the club,"" Quinn said.