WE can stop the Saints

There is no doubt in Matthew Knights' mind that his team can do what no other side has done in 2009 and defeat St Kilda when they clash at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Knights told the media this morning that his side has a huge respect for what the Saints have achieved this season but will exhaust every resource to secure a win this week.

“We are playing the top team on the ladder this Sunday and we have a lot of respect for them but we will do everything in our power to win the game and give our guys the belief that they can do it,” he said.

“St Kilda’s put in an enormous performance last week to go out and do what they did missing key players, but every week is a new week.

“Our players understand that St Kilda’s pressure skills are outstanding, we’d expect nothing less on Sunday then our players to come with the attitude to match that.

“We played a bit better last week playing a team that was on the edge of the top four, it would have been nice to get a winning result but we certainly played some better football which is promising.”

Last time the two sides met, the Bombers were unable to close the 19-point deficit after a slow start to the game with many wasted opportunities.

Knights says his side knows what to expect this time around.

“Last time they got off to a flying start, kicking the first five or six goals and slowly we reeled them in but their steadiness and their professionalism kept them that three or four goals in front,” he said.

“This group has that belief that we can match it this time around - our biggest challenge is doing it over four quarters. We can match good sides for periods but we haven’t nailed a good side over four quarters.

“St Kilda is so good at counter attacking from defence, when we do get the ball in our forward line we will have to make sure we score.

“We expect and will prepare for them to be full strength on Sunday. This afternoon in our planning meeting we will look at several areas of their game and try to work out how to stop them.

“We are not going into the match saying we are playing the top team, we are saying we are going to go out and win.”

ESSENDON by 13 points!

Cheers,

CHRISTOS BOMBEROPOULOS

Essendon v Footscray

VENUE & TIME: Concrete Stadium, Friday July 17, 7.40pm (AEST)
HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 147, Essendon 87, Footscray 58, Drawn 2
LAST TIME: Footscray 23.13 (151) d Essendon 15.15 (105) , Round 21 2008 at the MCG

WALKING WOUNDED: Bombers midfielder Angus Monfries (hamstring) will miss a fortnight. Daniel Giansiracusa (knee) is five weeks away from resuming while Ayce Cordy (back) is likely to miss another week.

FORM: Footscray may be coming off a one-point loss to Collingwood but they remain one of the competition’s hottest teams, having won seven of their past nine games. Their six-goal-to-one last term against the Magpies highlighted this. The Bombers have won three of their past four games, including a hard-nosed performance against Sydney last weekend. Since Round 11, they have averaged the third-most disposals of any side.

WHO'S HOT: Robert Murphy has been excellent in defence but it was when he was pushed forward in the last quarter against the Magpies that the Bulldogs rediscovered their mojo. Murphy had 10 touches in the final term and played a key role in the late surge. Shaun Higgins has become one of the premier small forwards in the business, while Brian Lake has been superb. He not only held Magpie Jack Anthony kick-less but his counter-attacking has been pivotal. Liam Picken has emerged as the Dogs’ master tagger. For the Bombers, fullback Tate Pears continues to impress. He is not only solid in the back-half but is prepared to run and carry the ball through the midfield. Scott Lucas kicked three against the Swans and has helped ease the burden on Matthew Lloyd since his return from a spell in the VFL. Jobe Watson is enjoying a career season, while Jason Winderlich is in great form.

WE THINK: The Bombers haven’t beaten the Bulldogs since Round 10, 2005, but this looms as their best chance to end that streak.The Bulldogs have been one of the slowest starting teams, regularly falling behind by four goals within the opening 20 minutes. That was the case against the Magpies, and the Bombers have the pace and weapons to inflict pain if this happens again. The Bombers’ tactics will be to force the Bulldogs to kick long to contests as they don’t have a major marking target. That the Bombers have been playing well, this should show where they are at and post their 9th win of the season.

The Bombers by 15 points!

Sheedy past coaching top side, says Lloyd

Cheers,

Christos Bomberopoulos

Essendon committed to Indigenous Australia

But Andrew Lovett isn't committed to Essendon!

As the old saying goes, a Leopard doesn't change it's spots!

Andrew Lovett has got to go! No more fucking excuses. He is mentally weak, irresponsible and completely selfish!

Not because he chose to drive, who gives a shit, blah, blah, blah...but for the contempt he has shown - time and time again - to his fellow team mates, The Club, Members & supporters...

Our patience has evaporated. The fans have had enough of this dumb, fucking, weac kunt!

Being close to traded last season, obviously wasn't a fucking big enough wake-up call for the pathetic, loser!

So what now??

Not even a one week suspension, $159 fine or anything Peter Jackson might hand down - will mean anything to him...the Dog!

It is time for Matthew Knights to excercise his only option available, cut him from the list, GET RID OF LOVETT!!!

Time to go, fuck-off, sayonara, giasou - just piss off! The call WILL get louder!!! Some of us have enough shit on this mongrel, to fill up page one & three of the Herald Scum. The only reason to date, we have not aimed with both barrells at this idiot, is the love of our club - and confidential sources.

But enough is enough!

Watch this space...

The Essendon Football Club must not, should not & does not rely on any individual! No matter how good they are or think they may be.

Your time is up Lovett, for the last time, fuck off! It's your call. Apologies will not cut it, we are coming after you, expect a big hit, where it counts - in the media!!!

If Peter Jackson doesn't come down hard on the loser and pulls out the standard media line: "We will continue to support him in his life choices" - will only go to prove one thing. We are back to the bad old days of weak Leadership! Ala Sheedy's last couple of years and the AFL sleep-in, to "Saveoursash"!

It's up to you Matty. I have been your biggest supporter, you must admit Lovett has failed you & the rest of us.


Your call, Matthew Knights.


"MY CLUB" does not deserve this!

Edit: Added 6:35PM - RESPONSE from the Essendon Football Club website.

My one word reaction: Typical.

Cheers,

Christos Bomberopoulos

Brave Bombers downed by 19 points

ESSENDON couldn't kill it, but we now know it bleeds. The monster that is St Kilda finally suffered flesh wounds in a 19-point win.

Although the at Etihad Stadium margin was comfortable enough on face-value, a daring Essendon should have got closer in the final term.

If not for the odd dumb decision and turnover, they might have even won. For the first time this season, as the Bombers made a run early in the last term, the Saints' key defenders found themselves seriously under the pump.

You could maybe blame the short break after Monday night's defeat of Collingwood, but St Kilda also became a little sloppy by foot.

The Bombers won the disposal count and almost matched the Saints for inside 50 entries.

And a really strange thing happened: the Bombers won the final three quarters against a side usually too stingy to give up one.

The Saints were clinical and clean in the opening term, posting a lead of 28 points. It looked odds-on we were in a for a 12-goal-plus shellacking.

But Essendon refused to roll over and managed to stay within the range of three to four goals for the rest of the game.

Matthew Lloyd emerged as a threat in the Bombers' forward line and they dominated the opening five minutes of the final quarter for the reward of only two behinds.

Still, they only trailed by 21 and seemingly had all the momentum. The Bombers surged again six minutes in, but Jobe Watson missed teammate Andrew Lovett and instead gifted a chest-mark to Farren Ray in the centre corridor.

In a flash, Nick Riewoldt had marked 30m out from goal.

The St Kilda star made them pay dearly. Essendon kept coming, but the Watson turnover in some ways summed up the contest.

As brave as they were, the Bombers simply stuffed it up too many times heading into 50, either hesitating or choosing the wrong option.

In the final term, with St Kilda finally trickling blood, the Bombers could only manage a wasteful 2.5 as the efficient Saints managed to keep them at bay with 2.2 at the other end.

St Kilda has been so damn good all season, it is easy to dig too deep in search of fault. Again, there were so many positives.

Justin Koschitzke and Nick Riewoldt were superb, having 12 shots at goal between them. Lenny Hayes continues to look like a man on a mission and you would swear Brendon Goddard is yet to miss a target all year.

Again, their pressure and tackling skills were elite. At times, particularly early in the game, it was like meb versus boys.

But did we see Zac Dawson finally wobble a little yesterday? Perhaps. Were we reminded why Clinton Jones should handball at all costs?

Yes. Jones' stopping job on Brent Stanton should be applauded, but his kicking is still a concern. Others also caught the disease.

The Saints had 17 kicking clangers to the Bombers' 12 - we would have expected that to be reversed at the start of the game.

Essendon can take a lot of heart and it is a shame Watson had to turn one over, because the midfielder was sensational.

Watson had 39 disposals, including 18 contested. His intensity around the ball set the tone. The run of Courtenay Dempsey, Andrew Lovett and Alywn Davey was exhilarating and Adam McPhee continues to quieten the doubters who were starting to queue up after Round 1.

Jay Neagle kicked three before fading, but shows enough to suggest coach Matthew Knights should just back him in from here.

Knights, himself under the pump not so long ago, clearly is on to something at Windy Hill. Having eye-balled the monster, and seeing an ever so slight sign of weakness, the Bombers might fancy their chances next time.

Forward Justin Koschitzke booted four goals for the Saints, while midfielder Lenny Hayes was outstanding with 33 touches as their side won 13.12 (90) to 10.11 (71).

A six goals to two first quarter proved the difference for the Saints, with Essendon recovering from their sluggish start to match the competition leaders for the remaining three quarters.
St Kilda led by 28 points at quarter-time - a margin they more or less maintained until the final change.

The Bombers threatened several times to overrun the Saints, with forward spearhead Matthew Lloyd coming alive in the second half to kick all three of his goals.

But while the young Bombers played out of their skins, they just lacked polish and poise at pivotal times.

After closing to within 21 points with Lloyd's third goal early in the final term, the Bombers' fate was sealed with two fourth quarter majors to Nick Riewoldt who finished with three for the match.

Bombers defender Andrew Lovett was effective and gave his side plenty of run all day, while Jobe Watson battled hard in the midfield, gathering 39 possessions.

St Kilda have now won their opening eight matches of the year and remain clear of Geelong at the top of the ladder on percentage.

Essendon have a 4-4 win-loss record and remain in the top eight.

ST KILDA 6.5 8.8 11.11 13.12 (90)
ESSENDON 2.1 5.1 8.6 10.11 (71)

Goals: St Kilda: J Koschitzke 4 N Riewoldt 3 A McQualter J Geary J Gram L Ball L Hayes S Milne. Essendon: J Neagle 3 M Lloyd 3 C Dempsey D Myers H Slattery J Winderlich.
Best: St Kilda: L Hayes B Goddard L Montagna J Koschitzke C Jones N Riewoldt. Essendon: A Lovett J Watson R Dyson C Dempsey H Hocking M Lloyd.
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: St Kilda: Nil. Essendon: A Davey (Essendon) by field umpire S McBurney for rough conduct against N Dal Santo (St Kilda) in the second quarter.
Umpires: Troy Pannell, Stephen McBurney, Ray Chamberlain.
Official Crowd: 45,594 at Concrete Stadium.

Cheers,

Christos Bomberopoulos

BOMBERS TO CRACK SAINTS

FOR the third week running, Essendon's two defensive pups from Perth will be given blue chip assignments by Matthew Knights.

Cale Hooker and Tayte Pears have had to quickly come to terms with dealing with the best forwards at the elite level and it will happen again when the Bombers meet unbeaten ladder leader St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Knights said yesterday the pair would stand Saints forward targets Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke, testing tasks he is happy to give the youthful duo.

"There's not much other option there. They got the gigs last week against Roughead and Franklin and they're probably a good chance to get the gigs again," Knights said.

"I don't mind throwing challenges to young players. They did it admirably last week and we'll probably throw similar challenges to them this week."

The 20-year-old Hooker, just four AFL games young, was thrown onto Brisbane's Jonathan Brown after Dustin Fletcher was injured at the Gabba two weeks ago. Last week, despite Franklin kicking five goals, he did a fine job.

Pears, 19, held Bradshaw for most of the night and last week kept Roughead to just two goals to preface an expected match-up with Koschitzke this time around.

The exciting young Bombers, sitting boldy in the top eight with a 4-3 record, face their biggest challenge of the season thus far - and Knights knows it.

"Their form-line in the first part of the year's been impeccable so they're obviously up there with Geelong as the two best teams in the comp at the moment," he said.

"I think they've played 24 players for the year so they're getting continuity and consistency in their team. They're very mature in age and body, so they've got a lot of good area covered in their game at the moment."

"We've got our heads slightly above water with win-loss but more importantly we're still going after our vision for the future ... with young players, moulding them and bringing them through together.

"We're in that middle range at the moment with win-loss and we've got to keep trying to develop and improve this group, and the by-product hopefully ... is maximum performances on the weekend."

That said, veteran Scott Lucas will probably do more time at VFL level despite a strong performance last weekend, as will Brad Prismall and Michael Hurley, who need more game time under their belts.

Mark McVeigh will miss at least another week, although he is now running pain free on the ankle he injured.

Essendon has arguably over achieved given the amount of injuries it has had to deal with this year but Knight forecast better things to come.

"We're still getting better and trying to improve our game plan - it's still going to take some time until we get it right,'' he said

"Our tackle counts are reasonably good, and I think this time last year we had a really ugly percentage. I think we're sitting around the middle at the moment with about 100 per cent so that suggests we have got the balance a little bit better this season.

"What was so important about the win last week was that apart from McPhee and Lloyd the rest of the players were still very young and still have long times to go in their careers."

Essendon coach, Matthew Knights says his side is looking forward to another big challenge this week when they take on ladder leaders St. Kilda.

The Bombers’ delivered their third audacious upset of the season last week and are looking for back-to-back wins come Sunday.

Knight’s believes that the key to winning the game will be matching St. Kilda in the contested areas of the game and not underestimating the multitude of talented players they will field.

“St. Kilda was a top four team last year and have taken their game to a new level this year,” he said.

“They have a lot of talent, their players are mature too- you can’t underestimate that especially with players like Goddard, Montagna, Dal Santo, Riewoldt and Koschitzke upfront and Fisher is a super player up back.

“They look very strong; their form-line for the first part of the year is impeccable, they are up there with Geelong as the best two teams in the competition.

“We run into challenges like this every week, at 4-3 we just have our heads above water with our win/loss.

“Whatever happens Sunday we are keen to play to our full potential and see what the by-product of that is.”

Knights said that for his team to walk away with a win this week, they cannot afford to drop off their aggression and intensity at the ball that they showed against Hawthorn.

“We need to match St. Kilda in attack and the contested areas. When we played at the Gabba, against Brisbane, they towelled us up in the contested ball, they were too good,” he said.

“Against Hawthorn, we were able to match players like Brad Sewell and Luke Hodge on the inside, where they are so good and we were competitive which have us the chance to execute our game plan.

“We will be concentrating on that during the week and then come out and have a real crack at them on the weekend.”

A strong performance in the VFL from Scott Lucas and promising returns from injury from Darcy Daniher, Michael Hurley and Brent Prismall means Knights will face some tough selection pressure for this week’s game and in the coming weeks.

“As we have a Sunday game we won’t finalise our 22 till Thursday. Scott went back and did himself proud, he kicked four goals but more importantly effort and movement was a lot better,” he said.

“After having a good game last week I wouldn’t think there would be too many changes to our line up. Again we’ll finalise our 22 on Thursday and that will be the first time we let the players know too.”

ESSENDON by 7 points...You can quote me on this, I tipped Essendon by 3 points against Hawthorn (Facebook) and everyone laughed at me - watch out Saints!!!


Cheers,


Christos Bomberopoulos

Bombers down Hawks

It was a David and Goliath battle at the Concrete Dome tonight as a young and relatively inexperienced Essendon line-up defeated the reigning premiers of the competition in one of football’s great rivalry matches.

The Bombers displayed courage, composure under pressure and slick run and carry through the corridor as they left nothing to chance and worked to pick apart Hawthorn’s midfield.

With all players contributing, Essendon used the zone to their advantage and maintained solid defensive pressure for the entire match in order to seal a 44-point win.

Essendon’s Patrick Ryder said the team’s forward and midfield pressure was key to the Bombers’ win.

“We were disappointing last week so we wanted to front up and give Hawthorn a good run. The pressure that the boys put on up the field and out of defence to play how they played was great,” he said.

“The pressure around the ground was fantastic. The boys just put their heads down and pushed through for the whole match.”

The Bombers looked dangerous through the midfield, moving the ball quickly and skilfully.

“The speed of our team is one of our strengths so that is something the boys want to do – get the ball and take them on and run it in through the midfield,” Ryder said.

“It just shows we can win games when we do it right.”

Despite coming under scrutiny during the week, Essendon’s young backline showed its doubters they could limit the influence of Hawthorn’s spearheads Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead through solid performances by Cale Hooker and Tayte Pears.

"Cale was fantastic, both him and Tayte,” Ryder said.

“Even though Franklin and Roughead kicked a couple of goals, the effort they put in was fantastic.”

Ryder said Essendon will look to back up their performance as they head into another tough battle against the unbeaten St Kilda next week.

“We will look to focus on maintaining our momentum going into next week,” Ryder said.

“We need to encourage each other on the track so we don’t repeat what happened in Brisbane.

“Tonight we went in as underdogs and came out victorious and that does a lot for our confidence.

“It shows we can beat any team when we are playing our game style and do the things we are taught to do.”

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Don rookie Pears beats Hawk fears

When Tayte Pears found out Dustin Fletcher had fractured a leg during last week's match against the Brisbane Lions, the young defender felt a little bit worried.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Zaharakis a Hawk? It's just a dream

David Zaharakis kicked two last-quarter goals to help Essendon sink Hawthorn on Friday night.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Bombers fly in stunning win

Essendon delivers third audacious upset of the season, and its most outrageous one yet, stunning reigning premier Hawthorn to record a breathtaking win.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Speed thrills for Essendon over Hawthorn

Essendon's youth and speed outclass Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium, delivering the young team a deserving 44 point upset win.

Cheers,

Christos Bomberopoulos

HIRD TO RETURN FOR CHAIRMAN EVANS

EXCLUSIVE: DAVID Evans, son of former Essendon and AFL chairman Ron Evans, is poised to become the next Bombers chairman. His expected elevation would increase the chances of club legend James Hird officially returning to the club.

Current Essendon boss Ray Horsburgh has told Evans, a Bombers director since 2006 and managing partner of investment services company Evans and Partners, he wants him to lead the club.

The Herald Sun believes Horsburgh, the Bombers' chairman since 2007 who was re-elected to the board by members last year, is considering handing over control as early as the end of this year.
But Horsburgh said a post-2009 season handover was "not a current consideration".

It is understood Evans, 44, has indicated he is prepared to accept the role, whenever it is formally offered.

"All boards should conduct succession planning, and as part of that I have nominated David as my choice as the next president," Horsburgh told the Herald Sun.

"But when, we haven't discussed that. He is the bloke who I would groom to hopefully be the next president.

"He is a fine businessman and a very good cut of a bloke.

"He is a bloke I would be proud to have leading the club in the future when I decide to go, whenever that might be."

Evans would not comment when contacted yesterday.

Horsburgh indicated a return to the Bombers by Hird, who retired at the end of 2007 after 253 matches, would be a strong possibility under Evans' leadership.

Hird is enjoying his increased media roles this year, but has said in recent times that he would, over time, consider a coaching role.

"I have told (Hird) personally he is always welcome," Horsburgh said.

"But now he is developing a business, he is a young man and he is trying to get his own business career underway and I think that is his priority.

"He is welcome at Essendon if at some stage in the future he wants to try on the board.

"He is a close mate of David Evans, anyway.

"They are tight. David was his mentor when he worked at (JB) Were's, when he was learning the stockbroking game.

"He worked under David at Were's. David was a mentor to him and is a bit of a business adviser to him now.

"I think if Hirdy ever joins the board it might be more in David's time than mine."

Essendon is already searching for a replacement for its long-serving managing director and chief executive Peter Jackson.

Jackson confirmed at the weekend he would be leaving the club this year.

DAVID EVANS


DIRECTOR


David Evans was appointed to the Essendon Football Club Board in October 2006. He has worked with Goldman Sachs JBWere for 18 years and spent ten of these as a Director and has occupied senior roles such as CEO of the firms' Retail Business, and CEO of the firms' Equity Business. David is a Director of two ASX publicly listed companies; Healthscope Ltd and Mirrabooka Ltd. David recently started his own investment bank - Evans and Partners Pty Ltd, based in Port Melbourne.


Bio from essendonfc.com.au


Cheers,


CHRISTOS BOMBEROPOULOS

BOMBERS LIVE DREAM!

Essendon has sealed a satisfying five-point victory over Collingwood at the MCG in the annual blockbuster clash today.

Victory couldn’t have been much sweeter for the Bombers who trailed the Magpies by one point with less than a minute remaining on the clock before a goal on the run to David Zaharakis in just his fourth game sealed the match.

Alwyn Davey said you couldn’t have scripted a better win for the Bombers.

“To win these big games is good for the players, the club and the supporters,” he said.

“We just kept pressuring the opposition all day and I think everyone worked hard. In the end it all came down to the last five minutes and it was good to see the hard work all day pay off.”

Essendon were without David Hille all day after the ruckman landed awkwardly on his knee in the first two minutes of the match. He left the ground with a suspected ACL injury.

Patrick Ryder was called to stand up in his absence and did exactly that. The 21-year-old was instrumental in the Bombers win and was well deserving of the ANZAC Day medal he was awarded post-match.

“When Hille went down, Paddy really stepped up so that was great to see.

“It was good to see him come away with the medal because he really deserved it after all the hard work he put in all day under difficult circumstances.”

The morale-boosting victory will give Essendon confidence as they make the trip interstate to take on Brisbane next week.

“This win will lift us up for next week and hopefully we can back it up with another solid performance with everyone contributing,” Davey said.

Bombers stand tall in heat of battle

Forty-four players took the field for yesterday’s Anzac Day clash and only two of them spent every exhilarating minute on the ground. They were the two players most affected by David Hille’s injury and ultimately they were the two best players on the ground – Paddy Ryder and Adam McPhee.

The duo was however ably supported by the midfield grunt of Jobe Watson and the tireless running of Brent Stanton. The leg speed of Jason Winderlich, Ricky Dyson and Andrew Lovett was also very important, particularly late in the game.

And what can you say about Dustin Fletcher that has not been said – he plays his 300^th game for Essendon next week and he just keeps producing, yesterday taking Anthony Rocca to the cleaners. Who is to say he does not have another season in him – right now he doesn’t look like slowing down.

Ryder’s feats were extraordinary. Named to start down back he soon found himself in the ruck and he stayed there for the day, comprehensively beating Josh Fraser and Leigh Brown. Ryder’s numbers were remarkable for a big man – 16 disposals, 11 contested possessions, four inside 50s, five clearances and 13 tackles. They are numbers that would make the most seasoned midfielder walk of the ground happy with his lot.

McPhee’s return was equally stunning given he was coming off a game against the Kangaroos that he said himself, was something he wasn’t proud of and it is fair to say many fans agreed with him. But McPhee is a quality player – a best and fairest player at Essendon – and in front of just under 85,000 people he towelled up Travis Cloke and showed what an important player he is for Essendon.

McPhee also won a critical loose ball in the final minute of the game, his quick kick finding Andrew Lovett. It was a critical play in the final analysis, getting the ball into Essendon’s forward 50m and ultimately giving his side a chance to win the game.

Watson and Stanton were excellent contributors in the midfield, collecting 61 possessions between them. Watson’s clearance work was important – he racked up a team high seven while Stanton’s unquestioned motor was still purring late in the game. He breaks opponents with his running and he did it again yesterday.

Back to back wins would be a nice way to celebrate Dustin Fletcher’s 300^th at the Gabba next weekend.

An exciting victory by Team Essendon and most of all the Coaching Crew - especially Matthew Knights!

I enjoyed this win, with both my kids, definately as sweet as the Carlton game - but to knock off both swines, just wonderful!

To all those calling for the head & nuts of Matthew Knights - just FUCK OFF now & go to Richmond!!!!

Cheers,

CHRISTOS BOMBEROPOULOS

ANZAC Day clash

ANZAC Day is our Day of thanks and gratitude.

LEST WE FORGET!


Essendon will use its visit to The Shrine of Rememberance and a talk from club champion Jack Jones for inspiration ahead of today's ANZAC Day clash.

The former Collingwood player and development coach, Alan Richardson, said that a decision on whether Mark McVeigh will play would be made as late as possible after he felt pain in his ankle following Sunday's loss to North Melbourne.

"Last week was his first week back and he pulled up a litle sore so we'll give him every opportuntiy today (to play) since it's such an important game and he is such an important player. He desperately wants to play," Richardson said.

"It will be a matter of how he feels together with how the medical staff think he has responded".

Richardson played against fellow assistant coach, Gary O'Donnell and Dustin Fletcher in the drawn inaugural ANZAC Day clash in 1995.

He admitted he would be passing on his intricate knowledge of Collingwood's players to help the young Bombers today.

"There is no doubt I will be a resouce to our players on who they will play on - when you have been involved with another club you can probably give more than you normally would," he said.

A group of Essendon players and staff visited The Shrine of Rememberance yesterday and recieved a talk from three-time premiership player, Jack Jones, about serving in Papua New Guinea as a 19-year-old.

"The way Jack spoke was incredibly touching and emotional and I don't think that message will be lost on the players." Richardson said.

ESSENDON to win by 16 points.

LEST WE FORGET!

Cheers,

Christos Bomberopoulos

WTF?

THE word on the street, Puckle Street.

Is - get rid of Knights!

SERIOUSLY...

What kind of tosser or loser is calling for the sacking of Coach Knights and - wait for it...

Install, the one and only, Mark fucking Williams.

OVER my dead body!

Fuck that!

Mark Williams should, no - deserves to go to Collingwood, now that Blake Caracella has shown up Mick Malthouse and taken the Pies to a Grand Final! Geez it was good to see Collingwood lose another Grand Final...Thanks Blake!

One word.

Knights is safe.

Whether we are 2-4, 1-5 or 0-6!

Ours is a long, long, hard road.

We must not forget, how we got to be - where we are today...

Speaking of which!

It seems the decrepid, old and senile ex-Captain of Richmond, the wounded Tiger Sheeds, thinks that Ben Cousins and Richmond could win this years Premiership!

DRUG TESTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Or just pass the sedatives, for uncle Kev, isn't there a Pharmacy - somewhere down Punt Road?

Sheedy need just ask Cousins!

Anyway. Unfortunately it is very hard for me to keep this blog, updated...due to major business commitments and all that - but make no mistake.

My support for the Red & Black is just as great as ever.

CLUB first!

We may not be a force - at the minute - or for another couple of seasons, but make no mistake.

We will be earning respect over the next 48 months...

Our time will come again!

"To win the Premiership Cup..."

Cheers,

Christos Bomberopoulos

Knights: Davey to ignite the Bombers

Matthew Knights reveals how he will be closely monitoring the performance of Jason Winderlich and Scott Lucas as they play their first game this week.

The Essendon team of 26 is: Jay Neagle, Ricky Dyson, Scott Gumbleton, Jobe Watson, Angus Monfries, Leroy Jetta, Jason Winderlich, Mark McVeigh, Andrew Lovett, Sam Lonergan, Courtenay Dempsey, Jay Nash, Matthew Lloyd, David Hille, Henry Slattery , Hayden Skipworth, David Myers, Scott Lucas, Darcy Daniher, Alwyn Davey, Patrick Ryder, Dustin Fletcher, Adam McPhee, Tyson Slattery, Heath Hocking and Tom Bellchambers.

Ins: Lucas, Davey, Winderlich, Myers, Daniher.

Outs: Bachar Houli, Michael Quinn, Jarrod Atkinson, Nathan Lovett-Murray(emergency), Cale Hooker (emergency).

Read Knights' preview below:

FORM LINE

The form our players displayed in the second half of our game against the Western Bulldogs is what we will be modelling our game on this week. We were a little bit scratchy in the first half of that game and our coaching staff were a lot happier when our players opened the game up a little bit in the second half.

Given it has been two weeks since we last played, we are probably going to be pretty fresh again this week but our players know the game plan and the way we want to play so we will focus on executing that on Friday night.

The theme that stuck out for me from Brisbane’s game is they stuck together very well. They teamed together very cohesively, particularly in their backline and when moving the ball out of defence. Obviously they have done a lot of work together over the summer and are well drilled and we have to expect a Brisbane side that will play at a pretty high level and we will have to be right on our game to beat them and that is what we are going to endeavour to do.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Scott Lucas is coming in for his first game of the season and it is really important for him to get some good match time under his belt. I think he is well and truly over his knee injury so it will be great to see him moving around injury-free.

Jason Winderlich is another player we are really looking forward to watching this week. His career was really at the crossroads some three months ago and there was a big question mark over whether he would come back and play senior football. To see him come back into the senior line-up this week and moving around in the midfield will be really exciting for the club.

From a Brisbane perspective, I think Josh Drummond will be a big player for the Lions this week. He had a fantastic game against St Kilda and his skills really helped set the side up in the first half of the match. He has always shown an enormous amount of talent across the half-back line and he will need to be held accountable this week.

Matthew Leuenberger is also coming back in for the Lions this week. He was an early draft pick and a budding young star in the ruck so it will be great to see him go against young Tom Bellchambers and David Hille in the ruck. They are two young players we are looking at from Brisbane that are pushing up and getting better in the AFL ranks.

INS AND OUTS

We have four players coming back in this week in Jason Winderlich, Scott Lucas, David Myers and Alwyn Davey. From a game-time perspective, it is important these players get some minutes to ensure they give themselves the best possible chance to be in good shape for Round 1.

We want to make sure everyone in the team has had the right amount of game time heading into Round 1 so the players who aren’t selected this week will not miss because of form. It is more a strategic move because we can only play 26 who will rotate off the bench on Friday while others will play a full game down at Geelong on Sunday in the VFL.

Our new recruit Tyson Slattery will definitely play in our backline this week so it is exciting for him to get some more game time under his belt. Meanwhile another of our new recruits, David Zaharakis is getting closer to playing his first game. Although he will probably miss at this stage, he is the first emergency so if we have any niggles between today and tomorrow night, he will be the player that comes in.

Alwyn is a big barometer for our team and means a lot to us in regards to our success moving forward as a club so it will be great to see him out on the turf running around with his teammates. He is looking forward to the game but is also a little nervous because he hasn’t played for such a long time. At this stage he will more than likely play the second half of the game and it is a great reward for Alwyn for all the work he has done to get his body right.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

It was only this time last year that I was coaching my first or second game of AFL football and Michael Voss is going through the same thing at the moment.

He has had a remarkable history as a player and I am sure he will translate a lot of that playing career into his coaching.

I watched the Brisbane Lions live in their first game against St Kilda on the Gold Coast and they were terrific in the first three quarters. Their attack on the ball was relentless and their tackling was ferocious so we expect a Michael Voss coached side to be very aggressive and really up for the game so it is something that I am really looking forward to.

Michael has a lot of experience from working at the AIS over the last twelve months and he has watched a lot of football from a commentary perspective so I am sure he is going to be up with the modern trends of the game and they will be fairly forward in their preparation.

Smash the the Old Fitzroy Boys and Voss!

Essendon by 17 points.

Cheers,

Christos Bomberopoulos

ESSENDON BY 1 POINT

Essendon have beaten the Western Bulldogs by one point in a thrilling AFL bushfire benefit game at Telstra Dome.

Adam McPhee's snap at goal with less than a minute left went through for the match-winning behind as the Bombers won the round-one pre-season game 1.8.13 (70) to 1.8.12 (69).

More than $1.2 million was raised at the game on Friday night and immediately after the final siren, it was announced that the Red Cross appeal had hit an overall total of $100 million.

McPhee's match-winning score redeemed a quiet night for him - a couple of minutes earlier, his shot at goal went out on the full.

Captain Matthew Lloyd then marked, but his set shot from an acute angle hit the post with 65 seconds remaining.

Midfielder Andrew Lovett impressed for Essendon with 22 disposals and Bulldogs captain Brad Johnson kicked four goals.

Lovett was nearly traded at the end of last season after two club-imposed suspensions.

Essendon will next play the winner of Saturday night's NAB Cup game between Brisbane and St Kilda in the knockout competition.

Several young key forwards showed promising signs in the match - Scott Gumbleton and Jay Neagle for Essendon, along with the Western Bulldogs' Jarrad Grant.

The game was originally scheduled for Friday night in Darwin, but the league quickly rescheduled the fixture last Monday and made it a benefit game as the full horror of the bushfire crisis became apparent.

Victorian Premier John Brumby led a minute's silence before the first bounce as the crowd remembered the victims of Australia's worst natural disaster.

A lower than expected crowd of 35,123 attended the game after 37,000 tickets were pre-sold.

Scores were level at halftime as first the Bulldogs and then the Bombers could not build on a small lead.

The 'Dogs had plenty of chances in the second term, but could only manage a wasteful 1.5.

Essendon fans will hope the first play of the second half is a preview of things to come.

Lovett stormed out of the centre and his bullet-like pass found Neagle, who goaled to put Essendon six points up.

The Bulldogs kicked two successive goals to regain the lead, but again squandered a couple of chances to pile on the pressure.

At 17 minutes, Bulldogs defender Paul O'Shea cannoned into Jarrod Atkinson as the young Bomber took a mark in the middle of the ground.

Tempers nearly boiled over before Atkinson made the most of his 50m penalty, kicking a super goal to put Essendon ahead.

Former Adelaide player Hayden Skipworth goaled on the siren and two minutes into the final term to put Essendon 17 points ahead, the biggest lead of the game.

But the Bulldogs hit back with three goals, including two to Johnson, to lead by a point and set up the exciting finish.

OK - so I got the final margin wrong, by 77 points...WHO cares, I tipped a victory & a win is a WIN!

GO BOMBERS!

Cheers,

CHRISTOS BOMBEROPOULOS

Bomber to make his debut

TEENAGER David Zaharakis will debut for Essendon less than a week after the death of his former girlfriend.

Zaharakis was named in an expanded 29-man squad, with Bombers football manager Paul Hamilton confirming on Thursday that the 18-year-old would debut against the Bulldogs before an expected capacity crowd in the Bushfire Appeal match at Telstra Dome.

It comes at the end of a difficult week for the midfielder, who is mourning the death of his ex-girlfriend Melanie Shuey.

The 17-year-old sister of West Coast recruit Luke Shuey died in Melbourne on Sunday morning after being hit by a motorbike while crossing a road.

"It's obviously something that's hard for anyone to go through, especially a young guy like Dave who has only just come to the club," teammate Jobe Watson said on Thursday.

"It was his ex-girlfriend, but he was obviously still in touch with her and they were pretty close.

"It's been a hard week, especially for him, and we've also got three (players recruited from Under-18 club) Northern Knights guys who knew the girl and the family.

"Dave is probably a bit unsure about where he is with his head a little bit.

"But I spoke to him before and he's keen to come out and play and really wants to go out and play well.

"It's something that he'll be able to look back on and maybe make him a stronger person for being able to get out there and run around."

The promising Zaharakis was selected by the Bombers at No.23 in the 2008 national draft.

Speaking ahead of the fundraising match at Telstra Dome, Watson said several Essendon players knew people personally affected by the devastating bushfires.

First-year draftee Michael Still has several friends from the affected areas, while the mother of midfielder Brent Stanton's girlfriend had a house in Kinglake, a town largely destroyed by the fires.

Have a great debut Zaharakis, but more importantly we are here for you - mate...

Essendon by 78 points!

Cheers,

Christos Bomberopoulos

IT'S ON!

Essendon V Footscray

WHERE & WHEN: Telstra Dome, Friday February 13, 8.40pm (AEDT)

LAST TIME: Bulldogs 23.13 (151) d Essendon 15.15 (105) at Telstra Dome, round 21, 2008.

WALKING WOUNDED: The Western Bulldogs are missing big guns Jason Akermanis (calf) and Adam Cooney and Robert Murphy following knee surgery while key defender Tom Williams won't be risked but like Akermanis, Murphy and Cooney is expected to play during the latter stages of the pre-season. The Bombers suffered a massive blow losing experienced defender Andrew Welsh to a broken leg and dislocated ankle last week while ruckman Jason Laycock (foot) is also likely to miss at least the first month of the home and away season. But midfielder Brent Stanton (thigh) should return for the second week of the pre-season.

THE FORM: The Bombers looked to have an unearthed a gem in giant rookie Christian Bock - the younger brother of Adelaide star Nathan - given his performance in last week's intra-club match and it will be interesting to see how he performs alongside fellow youngster Tom Bellchambers in the ruck given Laycock is out and number one ruckman David Hille is not certain to play following his recent run-in with a stingray. The Dogs will unveil several youngsters including Jarrad Grant, Paul O'Shea and Brennan Stack and will welcome back a fully-fit Shaun Higgins, who missed most of last year with a serious ankle injury.

WE THINK: It's hard to tip with any confidence given both sides have played only intra-club matches heading into this clash, which is now expected to draw a huge crowd as it has been moved from Darwin to Melbourne to aid Victoria's bushfire relief appeal. With the five hour trip north and playing in the heat and humidity of Darwin no longer a factor, both sides have named far stronger teams than originally expected although there will still be a sprinkling of youth. And while the Bombers performed far better in this competition last year than anyone expected in reaching the semi-finals, it's hard to see a team that has missed the finals the past four years troubling last year's beaten preliminary finalists first-up - even though the Dogs are missing Murphy, Cooney and Akermanis. The Bombers will need a big bag of goals from skipper Matthew Lloyd but he might lack support in attack with Scott Lucas being rested. Essendon by 78 points.

The full Essendon squad is:

Jay Neagle, Ricky Dyson, Scott Gumbleton, Jobe Watson, Angus Monfries, Leroy Jetta, Mark McVeigh, David Zaharakis, Andrew Lovett, Sam Lonergan, Courtenay Dempsey, Jay Nash, Matthew Lloyd, David Hille, Henry Slattery, Hayden Skipworth, John Williams, Cale Hooker, Patrick Ryder, Dustin Fletcher, Adam McPhee, Tyson Slattery, Jarrod Atkinson, Heath Hocking, Michael Quinn, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Bachar Houli, Tom Bellchambers, Christian Bock.

The Western Bulldogs squad is:

Jarrad Grant, Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd, Brad Johnson, Shaun Higgens, Lindsay Gilbee, Nathan Eagleton, Daniel Giansiracusa, Callan Ward, Ben Hudson, Ryan Griffen, Brennan Stack, Josh Hill, Dylan Addison, Ryan Hargrave, Jamason Daniels, Will Minson, Easton Wood, James Mulligan, Tim Callan, Wayde Skipper, Brian Lake, Cameron Wight, Jarrod Harbrow, Henry White, Liam Picken, John Shaw, Paul O'Shea.

Essendon to wear 'Bushfire Appeal' logo

Essendon Football Club will wear ‘Bushfire Appeal – 1800 811 700’ as its shorts logo in Friday night’s fund-raising game at the Dome.

Essendon managing director, Peter Jackson, said the Club hoped this branding on the players’ shorts would encourage Australian’s to give freely to the cause.

READ MORE.

Big names included in Essendon squad

Essendon has named a strong 29-man squad for Friday night's Round 1 NAB 'Bushfire Appeal' clash with the Western Bulldogs at 8:40pm at the Dome.

Bomber stars Matthew Lloyd, Mark McVeigh, David Hille, Dustin Fletcher and Paddy Ryder have been joined in the squad by young guns Scott Gumbleton, Jay Neagle, Bachar Houli and Courtenay Dempsey.

READ MORE.

Stars to play in fundraiser

Essendon captain, Matthew Lloyd, today joined Western Bulldogs' Robert Murphy, AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou and Telstra Dome's Ian Collins to discuss Friday's Bushfire Appeal game at the Dome.

Lloyd and Murphy revealed the change in venue from Darwin will allow more players to line-up for the clash.

"The coaches are going through the team this afternoon but there will probably be another five players who will play in the game, including myself, who wouldn't have been otherwise," Lloyd said.

READ MORE.

ESSENDON to crush the Bulldogs by 78 points...

Cheers,

CHRISTOS BOMBEROPOULOS

Intra club game 'closed' to public

Essendon will hold a ‘closed’ 2009 intra club practice match at Whitten Oval on Friday 6th February.

It's a BLOODY outrage!

This will be the first full-scale intra club game Essendon has held this pre-season and it will be played over four 20-minute quarters.

OUR first taste of football, since last season and we - THE FANS - are to be locked out! I don't think so...

Football operations manager, Paul Hamilton, said the public, unfortunately, cannot attend because Whitten Oval is still a construction site.

LISTEN Pauli, I know you haven't been back at Essendon for long, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

If the EFC want a quality ground, one that can also accomodate it's fans, it would have secured one.

Fact.!

No if's, maybe's or can we!

Kapish?

Just cut to the chase and state, we are trying all our new tricks and don't want any spy's from any teams like Geelong, Carlton or Bulldogs - oh, wait a minute - we Play Footscray first up in the Pre Season Cup...

WHY wouldn't we want to play on the Doggies home turf?

Obviously this is all part of the 'cunning' plan! Hey Hammy?

Let the Doggies see us play certain 'fake' passages of play, like Lovett in the ruck, Lloyd at CHB and Watson at FF. Whilst GO'D Coaches and Knights sits on the bench...or sumthink like that?

ALL this, at the expense of the Club's loyal supporters.

Fuck off...

“This is not ideal for our fans who would no doubt be looking forward to seeing the guys in action but, in the end, it is the best option available to the club," he said.

Not ideal...No shit, Sherlock!

“We had to find a quality ground that didn’t have cricket being played on it the following day. We also wanted to play our intra club match one week before our first NAB Cup game in Darwin.

IN Darwin...Against the bloody Bulldogs, you do realise that they will be watching, whilst we - the fans - are not allowed in - don't you Pauli? It's just not cricket, I tell ya, or Footy.

“For these reasons we were very limited in our options and the Western Oval works well for us apart from the fact that fans will not be able to attend.”

As long as it works well for us, I mean you, oh and them - meaning - Footscray.

A highlights package of the intra club practice match will be shown on Bomber.tv

To sign-up to watch Bomber.tv simply click here

Hamilton said media are welcome to report on the game but will need to be accredited (details to be advised soon).

I guess that leaves me ONLY one option really, my Media Kit is being printed up as I type. The only problem is do I go as a Herald Scum or Ch 31 reporter this time?

Pictures from the game to follow - stand by - from the Construction site!

Cheers,

Christos Bomberopoulos

Scott Lucas and Mark McVeigh back to full training

THE concern hovering over Essendon's pre-season lifted dramatically yesterday when two stars returned to full training.

Scott Lucas (knee) and Mark McVeigh (toe) were back in competitive training at La Trobe University in Bundoora after overcoming pre-season setbacks.

Lucas had spent three months rehabbing a surgically repaired knee, while McVeigh's preparation had been delayed after breaking his toe early in the pre-season.

They were joined by important onballer Jason Winderlich, who has recovered from a back injury that seemed unlikely to allow him to play football again.

Essendon's post-season surgery list was the longest on record at the club in 2008, with many players on managed programs throughout the summer.

The club's established stars are returning, with Essendon confident it can have its best side on the park by Round 1.

Boom youngsters including Scott Gumbleton, David Myers and Jay Neagle have summer fitness behind them after struggling in past pre-seasons.

Captain Matthew Lloyd is also in full training after being held back slightly pre-Christmas with some mild hamstring tightness.

The club will resist the temptation to rush in under-prepared players for the NAB Cup, starting against the Western Bulldogs in Darwin on February 13.

"There were a lot of operations at the end of the year. It was a record for the club. It will have an affect on some of them for the NAB Cup but we are confident there is plenty of time to get them up for Round 1, which is pretty important," football manager Paul Hamilton said.

"Scotty (Lucas) has been going along pretty well. He has really stepped it up since Christmas and he's at the stage where he's at full training."

McVeigh broke his toe after landing awkwardly in a drill in late November, but already had a good fitness base behind him.

"His recovery has gone to plan so he has had 6-8 weeks of full rehab and he's ready to go," Hamilton said.

Winderlich twice had surgery on a back that refused to respond to treatment.

But since resuming a running program in mid-December he has improved rapidly.

Winderlich's miracle return

The focus on Essendon’s vastly improved injury list has centred on Scott Lucas and Mark McVeigh - both of who resumed full contact training this week – but the big success story has been the return of 24-year-old Jason Winderlich.

The veteran of 56 games also resumed full training this week after overcoming a career threatening back problem.

“There was a lot of concern about him but he has been building up now since October so it has been a really gradual return and it has gone really well,” football operations manager, Paul Hamilton, said at training today.

READ MORE

Cheers,

CHRISTOS BOMBEROPOULOS

KNIGHTS CALLS ON YOUTH

With up to a dozen senior players unavailable because of injury Essendon coach Matthew Knights is expecting to blood at least four new draftees in the club's opening NAB Cup fixture against the Western Bulldogs in Darwin.

Knights nominated the club's top selections at last year's national and pre-season drafts, key defender Michael Hurley and former Adelaide utility Hayden Skipworth as near certainties for the clash on February 13 while David Zaharakis is rated a 'good chance'.

Former West Adelaide youngster Tyson Slattery is another in the mix to be rewarded for a strong pre-season, and a shortage of fit big men may just open the door for gangling rookie ruckman Christian Bock.

"Potentially out of the eight or 10 we drafted, maybe half of them, maybe four might be ready to play," said Knights.

"It's more so whether they're physically ready to play and their loads are right."

Knights said that Jobe Watson, Patrick Ryder and Courtney Dempsey all need at least two more weeks to recover from shoulder surgery while Jason Laycock (foot) will be battling to be ready for the start of the season proper.

Mark McVeigh (broken toe) and Jason Winderlich (back) are not quite ready and David Hille may have been a chance had he not stepped on a stingray at St Kilda on Sunday.

Knee reconstruction pair Alwyn Davey and Brent Prismall have more rehab to complete, but Knights said Davey may be ready for the club's Round 1 clash against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium if all goes well.

"We're planning for him to play the last one or two practice matches," said Knights.

"I basically have said to Alwyn if he can complete two games I'm happy to go with him in Round 1 if his knee feels fine and the medical staff are fine."

"And Jason Winderlich has made significant ground."

"In the direction he's heading barring any more interruptions he could be right there for Round 1 also."

"Most of our guys are beginning to hone in on that area and looking pretty good apart from Prismall and (Darcy) Daniher and Laycock."

Related Links

• Hille stung by stingray

Cheers,

CHRISTOS BOMBEROPOULOS

Essendon rookie Bock a special project

HE looms as the ultimate long-term project, but Essendon is happy to play the waiting game with Christian Bock.

The 18-year-old brother of Adelaide All-Australian Nathan Bock was the tallest player taken in last year's draft after the Bombers gave him a spot on their rookie list.

At 205cm and still growing, he towers over his teammates, but at a stick-thin 83kg it will most likely take many hours in the Windy Hill gym before he makes his mark.

Bock says sheepishly that weights have not exactly been a prominent feature of his footy career.

"The boys have thrown up the nickname 'Spider'," he said.

"I haven't done many weights at all, but I'm sure that will change soon."

Bock is a centimetre taller than the league's best ruckman, Dean Cox, but more than 20kg and several pre-seasons behind the West Coast star.

The mobile teenager was overlooked in the national draft after a broken collarbone restricted him to just seven games with Woodville-West Torrens last year.

It came as a relief when Essendon threw him a lifeline two weeks later at pick No. 36 in the rookie draft.

"The collarbone was the first injury I'd ever had," Bock said.

"I was pretty rapt when I got picked up. I might have been selected in the national draft if I had played most of the season, but I suppose we'll never know."

Bock, who has good endurance and displays good ruck technique, should learn quickly from David Hille and ruck coach Simon Madden.

"I'll get a lot of support from those guys so it should be good and I'm sure they'll give me plenty of pointers," he said.

"I've settled in well. All the boys have been fantastic and made me feel at home straight away."

And if that's not enough, Nathan, seven years his senior, is only a phone call away in Adelaide.

"He's given me a lot of advice and it's been handy having him around. It's been a massive bonus," he said.

"I just want to play consistent football this year, improve, add some weight and have an injury-free season."

Bock is not on his own with his last wish, with as many as 22 Bombers having been on modified training programs.

Football manager Paul Hamilton said the club had seen the most off-season operations in its history.

"Our first training session was the biggest rehab group I've ever seen," he said.

Mark McVeigh is close to rejoining the main group after breaking his toe, back victims Darcy Daniher and Jason Winderlich won't feature in the NAB Cup, while Alwyn Davey is also unlikely.

How exciting.

A special project player. Post-Sheeds!

A player that stands 205cm, is 20kg lighter than Cox, but nevertheless is a player.

Not some kid from Botswana, Ukraine or Ireland - but a lad that grew up breathing & eating-up Aussie Rules!

The Essendon Football Club would do well, to let Christian Bock, come spend a couple of months with ME (Christos Bomberopoulos), I'll feed you everything from home-made Gyros to fucking Mousaka! If that fails, you can live at Mum's for a couple of weeks, no-one gets out from her place, without having thirds!

Congrats to all brave enough to give a footy kid - "with talent" - a chance!

AND not some potential "athlete" from West Indies, Arizona or Uruguay...

Cheers,

Christos Bomberopoulos