The saying ""boys and their toys"" was proved correct today at Windy Hill, when V8 supercar champion Craig Lowndes was a special guest at Essendon training. Lowndes took time out from his busy schedule to speak to the Essendon players in the auditorium and then watch his beloved Bombers train. Although there is not many parallels between football and the racing car industry, all the players were intrigued to find out about Lowndes' career in the racing world and his training regime.

It was a big thrill for Lowndes to speak to the Essendon team as well. He has followed the Bombers all his life and played football in the Diamond Valley league before making the decision at 19-years to focus on driving. Donned in an Essendon jumper, Lowndes watched the Bombers train and he even got involved in the thick of the action. The 1998 and 1999 V8 supercar champion didn't quite look as comfortable taking a speccy over dual premiership player Joe Misiti as he does behind the wheel of his Ford Falcon supercar.

Lowndes will hit the track for the first time this year at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix behind the wheel of a brand new Ford Falcon BA V8 Supercar.