this was mainly a bit of a joke mate 
but I have watched him closely since he started. and i think he was found out of position more than rag dolled. This is still a JLT/Marsh Cup and i think they wanna see as much of possible and expose the young fella to some big forwards to give him some idea of what its like on them without losing premiership points.
Do they have extended interchange for these games?
Well Hawkins is now playing a more upfield role, so he says. .
Didn’t realise Hawkins was hanging round train stations in tricky dacks, asking for spare change, ■■■■, and playing outdated doof doof music.
Not necessarily a good look for a footballer, but then it is Geelong.
I like his arrogance. Told coaches he doesn’t need to train, “I got this”.
2 days
Dyson Heppell in a training drill during the Bombers’ Sunshine Coast training camp in January
MYSTERY surrounds the early season availability of Essendon captain Dyson Heppell as he continues to recover from off-season foot surgery.
Heppell was unsighted on the training track for a second consecutive week on Thursday, just 16 days out from the season opener against Fremantle.
The 27-year-old had a screw removed from his foot last month after previously developing pain following the operation in September.
Now doubt has been cast over his chances of returning in the early parts of 2020, having barely trained with the main group all summer.
Heppell will miss Monday’s Marsh Community Series date with Geelong in Colac on Monday, along with key defender Cale Hooker .
FULL AFL INJURY LIST How many weeks will they miss?
Assistant coach James Kelly was unable to put a timeframe on the skipper’s availability following his latest procedure.
“Guys like Hepp and Hooksy are still a little way off,” Kelly said.
"We’re confident that if we don’t have some players in, that the other players we bring in can play the role we need them to (early in the season)
"In terms of names, there won’t be a couple of guys early in the year, but we’re not worried about that.
“He’s (Heppell) progressing really well, he’s getting the work in that he needs to.”
Hooker received a round of applause from teammates as he completed the first 30 minutes of Thursday’s two-hour session with the main group.
However, he then spent the rest of the session with the rehab group as he overcomes a hip injury that required surgery and will rule him out of at least the opening fortnight of the season.
Cale Hooker training during Essendon’s pre-season training session in Coffs Harbour. Picture: Getty Images
Incumbent No.1 ruckman Tom Bellchambers also re-joined full training following knee surgery in early February and could play some minutes against the Cats.
Irishman Conor McKenna had his first big session since returning from his homeland last week and trained as a forward in a match simulation session overseen by coach-in-waiting Ben Rutten.
BACK IN THE FOLD Homesick Bomber’s return confirmed
Kelly said McKenna remained in the frame to face the Dockers on March 21 and was a chance to play in Colac.
Recruit Jacob Townsend completed individual running away from the main group, before heading from the track following a long chat with medical staff. He was later spotted with an ice pack on his right knee as he manages a knock from the Bombers’ first Marsh Community Series match against West Coast.
A handful of Bombers trained indoors including Devon Smith, Martin Gleeson, Andrew Phillips and Will Snelling.
Jacob Townsend is assisted off the field during Essendon’s Marsh clash with West Coast. Picture: AFL Photos
Yes he trained fully
Has training started yet today?
Yes it started around 10.15
You’re there I take it?
Yep
Awesome
Give us the good stuff Nackers
AKER
I am finding it very easy being patient while hoping that someone will post some information on today’s training.
The above sentence is a lie.
Are they still training Nackers? Worth coming by to see Joey running?
Many thanks again
No they finished about 12.00. I’ll do a report soon.
Not much to report but Daniher is looking good and in high spirits. He was running freely in the modified group and seemed to be having a lot of fun having a kick with Draper and Hooker.
Tom Hird makes Ham look like Rambo.
Nothing but gym and food for Hird jnr.
Thanks Nackers
