Dual premiership player Joe Misiti returned to skills training this week for the first time since breaking his wrist in the Round 7 match Carlton. The mid-fielder is eager to return playing and according to Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy is a big chance to return next week. Essendon supporters caught up with Joe Misiti last night on the Live Player chat on the AOL website.

Q:How's your arm? Will you play against the Tigers next weekend?
Joe Misiti: The arm is about 90% and yes I will be playing next weekend. I can't wait

Question: In ten seasons of footy, what would you say was the highlight?
Joe Misiti: The highlight was no doubt the '93 and 2000 premierships, because you train all year to win a premiership.

Question: What did your teammates think of the game at Stadium Australia? Do you think it has a future as an AFL venue?
Joe Misiti: The boys loved the stadium - and yes I do think it has a future.

Question: What's it been like having the ""Big Fish"" back at the Bombers?
Joe Misiti: It's been great, not just for his football ability, but also for his sense of humour!

Question: Do u like playing at Colonial or do u more prefer the MCG?
Joe Misiti: I love playing at Colonial - but nothing beats the big games at the MCG.

Question: What impact will Fletcher’s return this week have on the Bombers?
Joe Misiti: Fletcher's return will have a huge impact because he is the best fullback in the league.

Question: Which side do you think has the toughest midfield to play against?
Joe Misiti: I think Port Adelaide and also Brisbane Lions have equally good midfields.

Question: Joe, which player in the Bombers impresses you the most?
Joe Misiti: A younger bloke that does impress me is Jordan Bannister and for a senior player, you can't go past watching James Hird play.

Question: Has it been hard to sit out the games watching the boys do it hard?
Joe Misiti: Yes, it has been very boring and very frustrating. I've been out for about ten or eleven weeks now - it's too long!

Question: How old were you when you started playing AFL and were you always good at it?
Joe Misiti: I was 17 when I played my first AFL game and I always loved playing footy. I wasn't always good, but I always loved it.

Question: Do you agree with comments made by other senior players that they would not play in a team with Wayne Carey
Joe Misiti: No, I would play in a team with him if the circumstances were right.

Question: Who do you think is the all time best player?
Joe Misiti: The best AFL player I've seen would have to be Gary Ablett. He's got a freakish ability!

Question: What do you do in your spare time?
Joe Misiti: I love all kinds of sports, and I love getting out and playing a game of golf.

Question: How long have you been with the Bombers and how many games have you played?
Misiti: This is my 11th senior year at Essendon and I have played 190 games.

Question: If you HAD to choose another club to play with who would you play for?
Joe Misiti: I wouldn't play with any other side!

Question: If you weren't an AFL payer, what do you think you would be?
Joe Misiti: A rocket scientist

Question: Joe, what do eat for breakfast on game days?
Joe Misiti: Game day breakfast is usually toast and pancakes. I have jam and sugar on them. It's beautiful!

Question: When do you hope you'll be back playing?
Joe Misiti: I'll be back playing next Friday night against the Tigers.

Question: Who's the hardest opponent you have played against and why?
Joe Misiti: Hardest opponent would be Brett Ratten from Carlton, because he's a tough player.

Question: Sheeds looked fired up at training the other night, will this mean a better performance against the Cats this week?
Joe Misiti: Let's hope so! He was pretty fired up, so let's hope so.

Question: Is it hard training and being around the club when you're injured and can't play?
Joe Misiti: Yes, it is very frustrating because you have to train twice as hard but there are no rewards like playing a game on the weekend. We have to train twice as hard as the other blokes just to keep our fitness up.

Question: Joe, l have been a mad Bombers supporter ever since the victorious season of ‘84, and have also seen a few Bomber sides in that time. Do you think the team of 2000 was the best yet?
Joe Misiti: Yes, I think 2000 was the best team - certainly the best team I've played in They had a great ability to gel as a team.

Question: The Bombers are just inside the eight and the competition is so close, is there a stand out team that can't be beaten?
Joe Misiti: No, I think every team in the AFL can be beaten.

Question: How long do you plan on playing for?
Joe Misiti: As long as I can! About another 5 or 6 years, or until my body conks out!

Question: Have you been giving it to Lloydy for missing that goal against the Bulldogs?
Joe Misiti: no, we have been taking it easy.

Question: Which club did you barrack for when you were a kid?
Joe Misiti: I barracked for Essendon - of course! I was very excited when I was chosen for the team.

Question: Joe, what do u think of the young Geelong team?
Joe Misiti: They're a very good up and coming side with some very talented youngsters.

Question: What makes you such a good player, do you think?
Joe Misiti: My ability to read the play. It's important to know where the ball is going to go and to be one step ahead of everyone else.

Question: What do you think of Blake Caracella?
Joe Misiti: I think he's a very, very good player.

Question: What was your occupation prior to football?
Joe Misiti: I worked on the local council for two years - it was a strenuous job, too! ;) I was on road maintenance - we repaired footpaths.

Question: Who are your favourite bands/singers?
Joe Misiti: My favourite band is the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Their new album is great!

Question: What is your favorite ground to play at and what is the ground you hate playing at?
Joe Misiti: My favourite ground would have to be the MCG and my least favourite is Subiaco in Perth - it's too big, it's huge!

Question: I have a 10 yr old son who would like to play footy professionally, what advice would you give him?
Joe Misiti: Enjoy the game and listen to your coaches!

Question: How is your body holding up after years of playing football, and do you think of every game as a bonus, considering friends/teammates have had their careers cut short - Rick Olarenshaw for example?
Joe Misiti: My body is holding up very well, and every game after my first game was a bonus.

Question: What affect did James Hird's injury have on the club? And were the players surprised at how well he played on his return?
Joe Misiti: Everyone at the club was shattered and concerned about him, and his return to football has been nothing short of magnificent.

Question: Does the team have any ""lucky"" charms?
Joe Misiti: No, I don't think we have! There are a couple of blokes who are superstitious. My superstition is that I always get my ankles strapped last.

Question: Which team will Essendon have to beat to win the premiership this year?
Joe Misiti: I'm not too fussed which team we have to beat - as long as we win!

Question: With a lot of promising new players, who do you think will be the most rewarding?
Joe Misiti: One young fellow who will be a very good player is Joel Reynolds. He’s just turned 18.

Question: Were you and Mercuri drafted at the same time?
Joe Misiti: Yes, we arrived at Essendon at the same time.

Question: Where did u play as a kid?
Joe Misiti: My Junior club was Keilor Park Football Club.

Question: Joe, what percentage aerobic/fitness training do you do per week compared to skills training?
Joe Misiti: Pre-season it would be 80% fitness, 20% skills and in-season 70% skills, 30% fitness.

Question: What's your golf game like?
Joe Misiti: It was going ok before I broke my wrist!

Question: You are nearing 200 games how will that feel?
Joe Misiti: It will be a very proud moment

Question: Which clubs’ supporters do you think give u the biggest spray?
Joe Misiti: There's no doubt, Collingwood and Carlton supporters.