Q. The inclusion of Dustin Fletcher and Paul Barnard will strengthen the side....
A. They are both very good players. Fletcher is the best fullback in the competition and Barnard presents himself very well in the forward line. We missed them last week and they will definitely be acquisitions to the side. We naturally want them to play well and we want everyone of Essendon's senior experienced players to perform right up to the top of their ability.
Q. Danny Jacobs did well at fullback last week against Alastair Lynch, with Fletcher coming back into the side, is there a chance he will play forward?
A. He could but it really all depends on how Melbourne line-up. You are always moving players around to see where you are getting an advantage. Fletcher in the forward line always gives you an advantage because he is another tall option and hard to match up on because he is so quick. He is very, very difficult to mind.
Q. Have you decided who will play on David Neitz?
A. I don't mind Fletcher or Jacobs playing on Neitz. Neitz is one of their real keys to their goal kicking power and they kicked more goals than us last year. We have to chop down Neitz and Fletcher is probably the best fullback in the competition, so he is a big chance to line-up there. But as I said before it depends on how Melbourne line-up.
Q. Did most of the players attended Neil Clarke's funeral today?
A. I didn't make a rule that everyone had to go to the funeral, but everyone turned up out of their own free will. It was fantastic to see that. Neil was a much-loved guy around the club. I think when I told the playing group last week in Brisbane it was a shock to them. It was a day where we lost a fantastic person physically out of our lives but not necessarily mentally. It is the first player I have lost that I have coached.
Q. In a strange sort of way, do you think Neil's death is some sort of motivation for the players tomorrow?
A. I think that when they run out there tomorrow they will be pretty determined not to let Neil Clarke down. He was a person that was very involved with the team on the day. He has actually recruited some of the players that are here - a lot of people didn't know that. He also ran on matchday and also helped train the injured players at training.
