Big ruckman David Hille will play his first game tonight since seriously injuring his knee in the ANZAC Day clash.
He will join Jobe Watson, Mark McVeigh, Angus Monfries and Brent Stanton in tonight's intra-club match in Shepparton as part of the club's 2010 Community Camp. A full report on the intra-club hit out will be on-line tonight.
Only three players - Jason Laycock, David Myers and Tyson Slattery - have currently been ruled out of the match according to football operations manager Paul Hamilton but there could be other last minute changes.
Hamilton said the 2008 Crichton Medalist will play half of the 20-minute quarters in the forward line where he is expected to spend more time this season.
""This is another important stepping stone in his recovery - he's been involved in competitive training but this is our first match as such,"" he said.
""Regardless of tonight's game, David won't play in the NAB Cup but we are eyeing a Round 1 or 2 return for him all going well.""
Hamilton said fans will see interesting match-ups tonight including players like Tayte Pears, Cale Hooker and Dustin Fletcher on guys like Scott Gumbleton, Paddy Ryder and Mark Williams.
""We are looking forward to bringing our brand of football to Shepparton,"" he said.
Hamilton said the club would select two teams - mostly made up of Essendon listed players - that they think will be closely matched, adding that players will be desperate to impress ahead of team selection for the NAB Cup (see below for intra-club game details).
""We have a healthy list and the players have been training hard for the past three months and are extremely keen to get out on the oval and play,"" he said.
""This scratch match will play a significant part in selecting our NAB squad for February 12 so it's an important game. We will have a much better idea of where some of our players are at after this intra-club hit-out.""
Over the two-day camp, the Bombers will also conduct a super clinic and autograph session and will visit schools and community organisations.
To purchase some great Bomber gear for the 2010 season click here.
Essendon supporters can see their favourite Bombers at the following times:
Wednesday 3 February
Community engagement activities at City Mall Maude Street, Shepparton from 2.30pm – 3pm
Intra-club practice match Deakin Reserve, Shepparton from 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Membership and merchandise facilities will be available for supporters at the club’s intra-club match. Supporters who visit the merchandise marquee and register their details at the match will go into the draw to win a signed Essendon guernsey.
Thursday 4 February
Auskick super clinic and autograph session at Rumbalara Football Club Mercury Drive, Shepparton from 4pm – 5.30pm
Supporters aged 5-12 years old who would like to participate in the Auskick super clinic and autograph session can register for the event by clicking here.
Hayden Skipworth’s season was hampered by injuries but he was a handy contributor in each of his 10 games in 2009. He proved himself as a goal-kicker and was able to find the ball.The 26-year-old announced his retirement following the season and Skipworth will best be remembered for his off-field support of younger players.