For Essendon players the final day of season 2001 was far from ideal. They worked exceptionally hard in the face of many injuries throughout the season to reach the finals. They battled hard to reach the Grand Final before falling at the last hurdle. It was a tough day at the office and for star mid-fielder Joe Misiti things didn't get much easier in the following weeks.

Out of contract at the end of the season, Misiti and the club couldn't come to terms on a new deal that would see him remain at the Windy Hill. Opposition clubs put big offers to Joey's management and the suggestions were that he was very close to leaving Essendon. The salary cap pressures facing the Bombers only served to fuel the rumours that were circulating.

But after some arduous negotiating between Misiti's management and the club a deal was finally reached. Joe signed a two-year deal to remain with the Bombers. His teammates and Essendon supporters breathed a collective sigh of relief.

""It was a pretty tough few weeks and I'm glad it is all over and done with now. All the players know the position the club is in with the salary cap pressures but knowing that didn't make it much easier,"" Misiti said.

""I never wanted to leave Essendon because I have played here all my life and hope I will finish my career here. But football is my job and I had to weigh my options up. Football careers aren't all that long and you have to try and set yourself up for life after footy.""

During the negotiations supporters found it hard to believe Misiti could wear anything but the red and black. Misiti's teammates were also struggling with the concept. A number of Joe's teammates - most notably club captain James Hird - talked about the importance of their teammates at Essendon's best and fairest dinner. It has been a recurring theme at Windy Hill in the past couple of years and players have made sacrifices to keep the playing group together. Joe Misiti is the latest to make such a sacrifice. More will have to be made and the club's management is currently working through these issues with the playing group.

""The best and fairest night was really hard. All my teammates kept talking about the fact that I might have been going when they were on stage. The club was in a tough position and everyone knew that but it was still pretty emotional,"" Misiti said.

""I'm just looking forward to next season now. The knee injury didn't help me last year but I wasn't the only one in that boat. All the boys are very keen to show we are still a very good football side - a lot of people want to question us after last season.""

The day Misiti signed with Essendon turned out to be one of the biggest days of his life. Joe also married long-time girlfriend Nora.

""It was a big day - signing with the club and then getting married. We had a week's holiday after the wedding and I can tell you we needed it,"" he said.