Essendon players were today put through a speed session by fitness coach John Quinn in preparation for this Friday night's re-match with Richmond. The session was similar to that which the players have gone through all season - this afternoon's hit-out lasting 45 minutes. Michael Long and Justin Blumfield both got through the running extremely well and are certain starters in Friday night's Qualifying Final. After the speed session the players were taken in for a planning session.

""We thought we would get the players together and explain the structure we will go with this weekend and just fine tune how that will fit in with our game plan,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said.