The Essendon Football Club was deeply saddened by the passing of dual premiership player and club runner Neil ""Nobby"" Clarke on Saturday. The coaching panel heard of the sad news before Saturday night's match against Brisbane and made the tough decision not to the tell the players until after the game. The news came as a shock to all involved at the club including former teammate and current Bombers'assistant coach Robert Shaw. Read Robert's column in Off the Long Run.