Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy today warned his players to beware of the 'Homebush Ambush' as they prepare for the history-making first game of AFL football at Stadium Australia. Sheedy spoke to a packed media conference at Stadium Australia just prior to putting the players through a 45-minute session. It was an important session for the Bombers given it was their first look at the venue. Importantly, Damien Peverill got through session unscathed and he is a certain starter against the Swans tomorrow night.

Sheedy said he was well aware the Swans would come out firing tomorrow night. ""We are expecting them to come out hard and the players will want to do that for their coach - I know I've been in that position before,"" Sheedy said. ""We have got to make sure we are prepared for that - things can get ugly if you aren't switched on. It could become the Homebush Ambush.""

Ground staff have been working tirelessly to repair some minor damage done to the surface during last Wednesday night's State of Origin match. It wasn't so much the game itself but more the reconfiguration of the stadium that did some harm to the surface. Benches were also being constructed along the boundaries on the western wing of the ground.

The ground is as long as most ground but is narrower than what Essendon players would be used to. ""We don't have a problem with that,"" Sheedy said. ""Anyone who does is narrow minded. We are here to seel the game of Australian Rules football and is long as the ground is safe we are fine with it. I think it is terrific that we will noe have three venues that have hosted AFL matches in Sydney - the SCG, North Sydney Oval and here.""

At training this evening, Essendon captain James Hird made his second appearance since majory surgery on his face. Hird did some sprint work on the outer wing for about 20 minutes. Matthew Lloyd and Joe Misiti have also travlled to Sydney this weekend to support the team.