Recently-appointed Essendon vice-captain Joe Misiti says he isn't concerned the mid-field group has spent limited time with Paul Salmon in pre-season matches. Speaking on Bomber Radio last night Misiti said he was confident the group would click in round one against Geelong. ""We are all experienced players and I think things will fall into place,"" Misiti said. ""Fish has fitted back in well and played very well against Fremantle in the Wizard Cup.""

Salmon has played just over a half of competitive football this pre-season and ironically that came in a match against Fremantle - a game that Misiti didn't play in. The functioning of the mid-field will be critical to the Bombers this season who for much of last season were without experienced mid-fielders. Brisbane and Port Adelaide have set the standard for the competition in the mid-field and the Bombers need to match them in this area.

Misiti also said he had been impressed by the impact Aaron Henneman had had in the ruck during the pre-season. ""I must say I am a little surprised how well he has gone in the ruck,"" Misiti said. ""He is conceding height to a lot of these players but he has just out-jumped them."" Engine Room members can listen to the full Misiti interview by clicking on the Bomber Radio icon to the right.

In other Bomber Radio interview last night, assistant coach Robert Shaw said he believes the club has uncovered some qulaity young players this pre-season, Michael Long had a chat about his new role at the club and Daniel McAlister said 2002 was his make or break season at AFL level.