Bombers want a win, not emotion

2013 preview: The arrival of Brendon Goddard won't be enough to push the Bombers into the top eight, says Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson.

James Hird keeps a close eye on his players at Windy Hill. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

IT'S been galvanising and character-building, but Essendon coach James Hird doesn't expect six weeks of emotion to be poured into Friday night's AFL season-opener against Adelaide.

Hird expects the resolute way his players are holding up under the pressure of their anti-doping investigation to benefit them this season.

But it's not something he plans to harness to deliver an emotion-charged win at AAMI Stadium.

"Certainly we're after a win. That's what we're hopeful the outcome is," Hird said today.

"But we want to play a certain style and I think for our boys it's about football and how they play."

Similarly, he said it would make no difference what sort of reception the Adelaide crowd or players delivered.

"What happens on the field in terms of what they say is irrelevant to us. We want to get out there and play football," Hird said.

Round 1 teams: Kommer set for Bombers debut

The Bombers coach believes the resilience his players have displayed to train strongly over the past six weeks since the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation was announced will help them stand up in pressure games.

He's hoping his players can also stand up physically this year, after a wave of soft-tissue injuries last year contributed to a late-season nose-dive.

So far, the signs are good. Jason Winderlich (groin) is the Bombers' only unavailable player.

Hird confirmed Michael Hurley (ankle) and David Zaharakis (quad) will play, Zaharakis possibly as the substitute, while mature-aged draftee Nick Kommer will make his debut, after his chasing and tackling impressed over the pre-season.

Crows expect fired-up Dons

Hird said the Bombers had never been so well-placed fitness-wise in his time in charge.

"That's the situation we'd love to be in for a large part of the year," Hird said.

"If we can keep a fit list and a motivated list, then we'll have a good season."

Prize ex-St Kilda recruit Brendon Goddard will make his Bombers' debut.

"Playing for Essendon for the first time in a big game, everyone will be watching how he performs," Hird said.

"I think as a professional but a professional who loves pressure - he'll enjoy that."

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