Essendon captain James Hird isn't easily surprised, however it was a different story at Kangaroo Flat Secondary School today. The Bendigo Advertiser organised a birthday cake for the students to present to the Bomber skipper when he visited the school earlier today. The students also broke out in chorus singing 'Happy Birthday' to the Essendon favourite. Hird celebrated his 30th birthday yesterday with close family and friends before heading to Bendigo.

After attending the official welcome dinner at the All Seasons Hotel last night, the team had an early start this morning. The full squad trained for over an hour at the Bendigo Aquatic centre before visiting a number of schools in the Bendigo area. James Hird, Mark Bolton and Shane Harvey were a big hit at Kangaroo Flat Secondary School. The trio had their hands full signing autographs and having their photo taken with keen Essendon supporters.

The Bendigo community has welcomed the team with open arms over the past two days and the locals have turned out in force at the team’s training sessions and school visits. Local coaches, trainers, umpires and administrators will attend a Footy Forum Night this evening held by the Essendon coaches and players. Assistant coach Robert Shaw and Matthew Lloyd will also conduct a Youth Forum tonight at Bendigo Secondary College.

The training camp continues tomorrow with the players hosting an AFL Superclinic in the afternoon at Queen Elizabeth Oval.