Injured Bomber skipper James Hird will meet with his surgeon tomorrow to confirm whether he is able to fly home next Wednesday. Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson had a lengthy discussion with Hird earlier today. Hird told Jackson he was improving every day and in good spirits. ""Essendon has investigated the viability of flying James to Melbourne in an air ambulance. James could fly home immediately depending on aircraft availability, as the plane can maintain cabin pressure at sea level. However, the costs are prohibitive as it ranges between $20,000 and $36,000 depending on the aircraft. James feels it is not worth spending that amount of money considering he should be able to fly home next week,"" Jackson said.

Following his conversation with Hird, Jackson said there was no need for him to travel to Perth tomorrow. However, he may still consider heading over early next week depending on the surgeon’s advice.