Sheedy confirmed that Hird would be available for the Wizard Cup semi final against St.Kilda, however hinted there would be some changes at the selection table. After starring in the Bendigo Bombers’ practice match last Friday, Mark Alvey is a definite chance to line-up for the Bombers Saturday night. Sheedy ruled out Damian Cupido for selection and said that Adam Ramanauskas is likely to play one half of footy again.
""He (Adam) pulled up well. I think he would be pretty happy to get through a game. We played three or four players that needed a game. Matthew Allan hasn’t played much footy, either had Adam Ramanauskas or Dean Rioli. That wouldn’t happen in an AFL game,"" he said.
Essendon’s hasn’t advanced to the semi final of the Wizard Cup since the 2000 pre-season. Sheedy said the club is not getting too carried away with the pre-season form considering the real season is still one month away and the club looks to the Wizard Cup as a serious practice match.
""My message to the fans is don’t get too carried away with who ended up in the final four in the Wizard Cup about your season coming up. It is so different now - if they throw another couple of rules in between now and the next Wizard Cup, it is just a completely different sort of game.
""As long as you don’t lose the fact that you are getting young players to play and you are getting your senior players fitter and you are trying things. Once you stop doing that, I am not quite sure if you are coaching right,"" Sheedy said.
Watch the Bombers in action against the Saints on Saturday night. Click here for more information about the Wizard Cup semi final.
