Essendon Football Club hit Bendigo today for a three-day pre-season camp and was an instant hit with the locals. More than 300 locals were in the town centre for a Civic Reception. And late this afternoon more than 2000 people flocked to Bendigo's Queen Elizabeth Oval to watch Essendon train. It augurs well for the newly-formed Bendigo Bombers - the side looking certain to attract enormous interest this season.

Essendon trained well in stifling heat and they were joined by local players aspiring to be a part of the Bendigo Bombers side. A total squad of almost 60 kept the Essendon coaching staff busy for more than an hour. The whole squad gathered for a photo in front of the main grandstand at the completion of training.

Among the stars on the track for Essendon was Mark McVeigh who continued an excellent pre-season. Dean Rioli also moved exceptionally well. Damian Cupido also impressed. Players on restricted duties included Dean Solomon, David Hille and Mark Mercuri - none are suffering any long term complaint.

The Essendon players also had some time to relax during the day and spent that time pool side in a bid to escape the heat.