Bombers touch down on QEO

ESSENDON and North Melbourne football clubs both finished up their community camps in Bendigo this week after the program had been shut down for three years.

Due to COVID-19 the annual program that sees AFL clubs head out to regional and rural areas for school clinics, open training sessions, and meet and greets had been put on hold.

Essendon coach Brad Scott said it was great for both Bendigo and the players to be back in the area.

“The players have thoroughly enjoyed the last couple of days,” he said.

“It’s been a real rough time for a range of people over the last three years, but I think it has served as a reminder just how important football is to local communities.”

The Bombers hosted an open training session at Queen Elizabeth Oval last Friday, with hundreds of spectators coming along to watch and meet the players.

Scott said he and his side were thrilled with the venue.

“At a quality facility like this we didn’t miss anything today. The surface is just as good as it is at the Hangar [Essendon’s training base],” he said. “It’s a credit to all involved.”

Scott said Bendigo, which used to be host to the Bomber’s VFL affiliate, had done a great job welcoming his team.

“Bendigo have been an unbelievable host,” he said. “We have had a great time here and it has been really well organised, and we look forward to coming back again next year.”

Essendon fan Donna Downs said it was exciting to have the opportunity to catch her favourite team in town and the players were great to interact with.

“What a fabulous day,” she said. “The players were so generous with the time they spent with the supporters, especially after such a long training session.”