Dons face big new test in AFL

Essendon’s players face an unprecedented test of their resolve and focus ahead of the round-one AFL match against Sydney.

The players have shown an amazing ability over the last two seasons to not let the club’s supplements saga affect their on-field form.

But that goes to a new level on Tuesday when the AFL anti-doping tribunal hands down its verdicts on 34 current and past Essendon players.

The Bombers then start their season against the Swans on April 4.

Due to the impending tribunal verdict, 19 senior players have not had any proper pre-season games.

Captain Jobe Watson, one of the players to sit out the pre-season, admits the impending verdicts have created added anxiety among the players.

He also concedes it will be “interesting” to see how a large chunk of the team will perform with no pre-season matches under their belt.

Watson said they had trained hard, including a 10 per side match simulation last week.

“Ten on 10, on an MCG-sized ground, can be pretty tough,” he said.

“In the end, we just decided we’d have an old schoolyard punch-on with each other, just to entertain ourselves.

“The spirit of the players, when it comes to football and preparing themselves, has been good.

“I feel confident the list is physically in good shape to play AFL football.”

While Essendon’s chances this season hinge to a great extent on the tribunal verdicts, they boast a strong list and Watson is bullish about their chances.

“I certainly feel as if it’s a very capable group,” he said.

He added their aim would be to win at least one final, something they have not done in more than a decade.

Another feature of the pre-season has been the return of esteemed club figures such as former coach Kevin Sheedy and ex-champion players Matthew Lloyd and Mark Harvey.

Sheedy is now a club ambassador, while Lloyd and Harvey have assistant coaching roles.

“You look at what’s happened to the club over the last few years, the brand of the club, and it’s been impactful on the football club,” Watson said.

“When rebuilding a brand, it makes sense to have those people involved and they’re all passionate Essendon people.”

The obvious big loss has been last year’s caretaker coach Mark Thompson, who stepped aside and then left once James Hird returned from suspension.

“It was difficult – he did an enormous job with the football club,” Watson said.

“He’s a proven, great coach.

“The club made the choice and it was the right decision that Hirdy was coming back, that Bomber felt he couldn’t do a role that was going to be given.

“The best way for him to move on was to step aside and let James be the senior coach.”

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