It was a sight all Bomber supporters have been looking forward to seeing this season - the number seven back in action. After a year on the sidelines Dean Solomon completed the first half of today's intra-club practice match at La Trobe University. The 23-year-old moved well across half-back and got plenty of the ball. He wasn't restricted at all by his knee and his skill level was excellent. Regardless of how much football he plays in the pre-season competition, Solomon looks set for a Round 1 return against the Brisbane Lions.

Jobe Watson raised a few eyebrows with an excellent performance on the wing and across half-forward. His attack on the football was first rate and he looks a genuine chance of playing senior football in 2003.

Other good performers were skipper James Hird and Adam Ramanauskas. Hird notched up a stack of early touches and sent off signs that he will again be dangerous this season. Ramanauskas moved well and kicked three goals in the first half.

Damian Cupido continued to impress kicking two goals and Joe Misiti was on fire in the centre. Matthew Lloyd played across half-back and on the ball. ""We thought we would give Matthew a bit more of a run around to make sure his match fitness is where we want it to be before the pre-season competition starts,"" Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy said.

The intra-club match was a solid hit-out for the team heading into the exhibition match against Sydney this Sunday at North Sydney Oval. The entire intra-club game will be aired on Fox Footy later today, complete with Kevin Sheedy special comments throughout the game.