Unfortunately nobody was able to win the BMW Melbourne hole-in-one competition and drive away from Huntingdale in a brand new car, although Joe Misiti came the closest. Dustin Fletcher came close on another par three winning the other nearest the pin contest.
The day provided players with some light relief from training, but this year the Bombers are hungry for success and Jason Johnson’s mind wasn’t too far away from the approaching season when he spoke to the media at the completion of his round.
""It’s been a positive pre-season, we have done some different things. A group of guys went to Japan on a leadership camp which was great. And we have a number of younger guys like Aaron Henneman and Jason Laycock, who have been able to do a full pre-season which will hold them in good stead for the season."" Johnson said.
The Bombers have also used the off season to consider the recipe for success in season 2005.
""We have come to the realisation that coming sixth isn’t good enough and we have to finish in the top four to really have a crack at it.
""A few of the guys who went to Japan probably realised how important they are to the club and I’m looking forward to seeing a good season from guys like Dean Rioli and Dean Solomon who now realise where they are at in terms of the leadership of the club.
""Hird definitely deserves another chance at a Premiership. He’s given us a number of chances in the last couple of years where he has kept us in games and won us games so its in the back of our minds because it is a team game.""
And with Hird such a vital part to the team’s success will he be rested through the Wizard Cup?
""It will be hard to rest Hirdy, he is one of those guys who likes to show the way and lead the way so I think the doctors and the coaching staff may have a trouble in holding him back. But if it means having a rest and having him through the main season we might have to do it and give a some other young guy a chance,"" Johnson said.
""I think you will see a few of the recruits play in the Wizard Cup, Sheeds is a big believer in giving the younger guys a go, if they get a taste in the Wizard Cup it just holds them in good stead when the season comes along.""
