Having bowed out of the 2001 Ansett Cup competition, the Bombers now find themselves on the practice match circuit for the next couple of weeks. The Bombers will play Melbourne at Optus Oval this Saturday in the first of those games. The match will commence at 2.00pm. The Essendon VFL side heads to the Apple Isle this Saturday where it will take on Tasmania at York Oval in Launceston commencing at 3.45pm.