It was the skipper James Hird's team that tracked down Jim Murdoch first. The other four groups were close behind. The team then enjoyed the kind hospitality of Jim and his family as they provided afternoon tea for the entire team and coaches. According to football manager Dominic Cato it was a fantastic afternoon and the players enjoyed meeting the long-time Essendon member and his family.
""It was interesting to see how the teams dealt with the 'Race Around the World' challenge. Some groups flagged down locals to ask directions and even though they were given $10 for a taxi to get to Jim's street, some players asked locals for a lift - they used all sorts of tricks and excuses to get lifts. A lot of the players arrived to Jim's street in locals cars and they were all happy to be involved in the game. The players weren't given Jim's house number, so they had to go door knocking to every house in the street until they found his house,"" Cato said.
The next stop was Orbost. The team thought they were in for a quiet dinner at the local pub, but it was not to be. They were greeted by the locals who had decorated the pub in red and black. Children had stayed up way past their bedtime to greet the Essendon team and they were not disappointed when Hird kicked the footy with them for over half an hour in the carpark. After enjoying a big roast (which was to be their last hot meal for the week) it was time for the Bomber boys to perform.
Based on the television show ""Australian Idol"" each group had to nominate a person to perform or the entire group could sing a song of their choice up on stage in front of the crowd that had gathered. Even the coaching staff got into the theme of the hit show. Weights coach Glenn Turner dressed up as Marcia Hines and was one third of the judging panel. John Quinn and assistant coach Dean Wallis made up the remainder of the judging panel. Notable performances were Hird and Sean Wellman singing the duet - ""I've got you babe"". Ted Richards dressed up as Michael Jackson and took off the hit song - ""Thriller"". New recruits Kepler Bradley and Courtney Johns proved they are no wall flowers when they belted out - ""You've lost that loving feeling"" and Jason Johnson led his group to the hit song ""Hotel California.""
It was back on the bus after the dinner stop for the last leg of the bus trip. The euphoria of the road trip to Cann River was short lived when the players got wind of what was involved on Monday. After setting up a temporary camp for night one at the Cann River Caravan Park it was an early start on Monday and the players had to ride 65km to their next campsite. Click here to read about Day 1 of the training camp.
The Cann River training camp is a testament to how hard the players are working in preparation for the 2004 season. Show your support to the team and renew or purchase your Essendon Football Club membership. Click here to renew or purchase your 2004 Essendon membership.
