Retired Geelong champion Garry Hocking today met with the Essendon mid-fielders in the lead-up to this Friday night's qualifying final clash with Richmond. Hocking played his last game of football for Geelong against Carlton at Optus Oval last Saturday. He met with the group for about an hour at a restaurant in central Melbourne prior to training at the MCG. Hocking also came to the MCG to watch training although he tried to keep a low profile sitting well back from the fence. Hocking wasn't in a hurry to play up his involvement with the Bombers. ""I was having lunch with Barnesy and thought I would come and watch training as well,"" Hocking said.

""It is John's 200th game this weekend and I thought I should come and have a look at him. It is good to also have a look at how other club's train. It isn't something you get to do much of when you are playing so it will be interesting,"" Hocking said. Hocking played in four losing Grand Finals with Geelong.

The Bombers trained under perfect skies at the MCG this afternoon. Star full-back Dustin Fletcher confirmed he was on track to make a return to senior football this week by completing 30-minutes of the 45-minute session. He moved very well during his time on the track.

Michael Long also moved very well during the session. Dean Rioli trained indoors while Aaron Henneman and Dean Wallis did not join in training because of hamstring injuries.

Barnes isn't the only milestone this week - James Hird plays his 150th AFL match while Blake Caracella notches up game 100.