Essendon’s pre-season training may only be in its first day but already High Performance Manager, John Quinn, is excited about the Bombers’ 2008 season.

The entire senior playing group underwent medical screening and performance testing this morning and Quinn couldn’t be happier about the shape in which the players returned.

""Today is really about testing to see where they are at,"" Quinn told Bomber.tv.

""And overall, we are extremely happy with the condition that the players are in.

""There are obviously a couple that will need some extra work but generally speaking, we are very impressed.""

Quinn was particularly enthusiastic about the shape of young, speed-machines, Courtenay Dempsey and Leroy Jetta.

""If there was a prize for the best off-season trainer, Courtenay would win it hands down,"" Quinn said.

""After battling injuries last season, we told him that he would have to get himself to a certain level of fitness and he has just worked and worked and worked.

""Leroy Jetta is another player who looks impressive.

""When comparing him to the shape he came in last year, you could say they were two different people.

""I think he understands what he needs to do to make it and he is quite ripped actually. He is very lean and we are actually expecting pretty big things from him this year.""

To hear more from Quinn and Jetta, or to view behind the scenes footage of today’s testing, click here.