Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy says the large turnout at the Bombers training session in Healesville proves the worth of taking the team to the country.

Hundreds of fans, many in Essendon jumpers, were on hand as the Bombers players were put through their paces at the Healesville Football Club on Wednesday.

“I didn’t realise how many Bombers fans were living out in the far east of Melbourne,” Sheedy said.

“The turn up here today has been fantastic.  It was a great idea. 

“They’ve come from everywhere, they’ve come from 50 kilometres away. 

“I think it’s great when the team goes to the fans because not everyone can get their kids out of school and drive all the way over to Tullamarine.

“It’s really pleasing to see the Club is prepared to get out and thank the fans for being loyal members particularly as we’ve gone through the last three years that have been pretty difficult for the Club and fans in general.”

The Bombers will again take training offsite when they travel to Sunbury, Lancefield, Riddells Creek, Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford and Seymour in March next year ahead of the Club’s opening NAB Challenge match against Geelong in Shepparton. 

The two sides will then meet in round four of the home and away season in the first ever ‘Country Game’.

“It’s going to be a very important part of the make up of our next icon game,” Sheedy said.

"The country farmers have gone through a hell of a lot of trouble, particularly now with bushfire season coming through.

“That’s what this game will be about.  I’m hoping to get 90,000 people there to commemorate their wonderful efforts.

“This is all building up to what will be hopefully one of the great days in AFL in round four next year at the MCG.”