Ahead of the James Hird Academy’s Guard of Honour Game at the round four clash with Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium this Sunday, inaugural Essendon JHA graduate Joe Daniher met with two of the members of the current JHA Flight Squad program.

Following their skills and craft session in the Hangar, 11-year old Noah Caracella, son of 2000 premiership Bomber Blake, and 13-year old Will Hamilton, son of 105-game player and subsequent Essendon football operations manager Paul, chatted with Daniher about their respective Academy experiences.

“It’s been really good for development. The facilities are fantastic and to have the opportunity to be here is something that I really value,” said Will who plays junior footy in Bendigo.

“As I come back I hope I keep getting better.”

“You can really fast-track your skills,” said Noah, who lines up across the half-forward flank at Newtown.

“You look at how to be a footballer and how to run and get fit. I’m looking to improve on my skills every day.”

Daniher was the first player to come through the Academy and play for Essendon after his father Anthony played 118 games in the red and black between 1987 and 1994.

Noah, Will and the other 68 members of the Academy will be coached by 2018 VFL captain Heath Hocking, who was appointed to the role in February after playing 126 games for the Bombers across 11 seasons.

“The JHA has probably helped me with the VFL,” Hocking said.

“I think I’m growing as a coach and a person and that leadership is getting better.”

The James Hird Academy members will form a guard of honour for the Bombers at this Sunday’s game against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium from 1.10pm.