Essendon players will have their first competitive match practice of the 2002 pre-season at Whitten Oval this Saturday. The Bombers will play an intra-club practice match at the Western Bulldogs training venue commencing at 1.30pm. Most of the Bombers' senior list will take part in the match. The Bombers will return to Whitten Oval for a practice session on Monday, February 4th commencing at 3pm. The Essendon players were put through a long hit-out at Essendon Grammar this afternoon. They will train again at the same venue at 4.00pm this Friday.