Colonial Stadium was last night passed fit to play on this weekend by both Essendon players and the AFL Players Association.

Essendon trained on the Colonial surface for more than an hour and spent the best part of half an hour running on the troubled city-side wing.

Essendon captain James Hird was glowing in his praise of the new surface after training describing it as "world-class".

"It's as good as anywhere in the world," Hird said. "It's beautifully flat, beautifully green and all seamed together so it is really nice over there."

AFL Players Association acting chief executive Robbie Kerr said the AFLPA was also convinced the surface was up to standard after observing training.

So the Essendon v West Coast clash will go ahead at Colonial Stadium this Saturday night despite suggestions it would be moved because of the state of the ground.

The Western Bulldogs and Kangaroos are scheduled to play at Colonial Stadium this Sunday.