The Rebel Sport Mosquito Fleet clinic was a big hit with the Essendon fans yesterday at Colonial Stadium. Over 1000 Mosquito Fleet members attended the clinic which is in its seventh year. All Essendon players were on-hand to help with the different activities. Star full-forward Matthew Lloyd was in high demand with the children and more than made up for all the autographs he couldn't sign when his finger was injured.

Football skills on the oval were again one of the most popular sessions. The Bomber boys helped the junior members with kicking, tackling and goal kicking. Steve Alessio tried to re-enact Matthew Lloyd's kick for goal after the siren from the Round 14 match - in the same pocket to demonstrate to the kids how easy it is to score the goal. Finally after kicking the goal on his eleventh attempt, he confessed to Lloyd that it is not that easy!

A new feature of the clinic this year was the Video room. Mosquito Fleet members watched educational videos on the importance of healthy eating and lifestyle to sports people to enhance their performance. Dean Solomon, Dean Rioli, Matthew Lloyd and Gary Moorcroft then asked the children different questions on nutrition and stepped them through warm-up stretches they do on match-day. The biggest cheer of the day came when a video of Essendon highlights was shown at the end of the session.

There was plenty of excitement in the Game Show room with James Hird, Blake Caracella, Dustin Fletcher and Mark Mercuri playing celebrity heads with the children. The junior members were then split into three groups according to age and completed one of the following activities - making a best and fairest medal, designing a new Essendon away guernsey and the older group tested their Essendon knowledge on a quick quiz about the players.

After lunch, Mosquito Fleet members were able to get fill their autograph books with signatures from their favourite players. Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy then spoke to the crowd about the team’s performance this season was what lies ahead in the remaining weeks. He thanked all the members for their continued support and contribution to the club and reminded them that the fans are what makes Essendon Football Club so special and the success that it is today. The day finished with Mosquito Fleet members watching the team train in preparation for this weekend's match against West Coast.

Essendon Football Club would like to thank Rebel Sport for sponsoring the clinic and all the volunteers that generously donated their time.