Q. Will he play the full game?
A. We will see how he is feeling at half-time. It is really trial and error. We don't know who he will even play on - it depends how they line-up. He is like a new recruit for us. We just want to get him playing confidently and he is a pretty handy replacement for Heffernan or Blumfield.
Q. He was a huge loss for you last year?
A. Yes he was. When you lose a player for the whole year, it really hurts you - there is no doubt about that.
Q. How important is it that Solomon gets to play these practice matches after such a long time on the sideline?
A. This is a really important period for him to see where he is at himself. We will just see how he copes with it all - he has played in some mock pressure games already.
Q. You have played your last two games interstate, so the Essendon supporters haven't had a chance to see the team play yet?
A. No they haven't, but we are hoping for a good crowd at Optus Oval tomorrow. We will play a couple of young players in the side again. The kids that played last week have all pulled up fine. Jason Laycock and Jobe Watson have both performed well in the past two games. We will also bring a couple of other new players in. Aaron Henneman will play his first game - he is another player we really missed last year. Henneman is a player that a lot of people would have forgotten about.
Q. Will Hird and Lucas play?
A. I would rather not play them to be honest. I would rather play my younger players. They are both a little bit sore, but nothing major.
On presentation of their membership card Essendon supporters can gain free access to the Bombers’ practice match at Optus Oval tomorrow. Admission prices for non-members are as follows:
Adults $10
Concession $5
Children <15yrs $2
The game kicks off at 2.30pm.
