Fans flock to training to stand by beleaguered Bombers
Essendon supporters come out in force for team's last run for season
About 500 fans have turned out at Windy Hill for Essendon's final training session of the year.
With the club booted out of the finals over its 2012 supplements regime fans were vocal in their support of James Hird and the players.
"We are Essendon, we are Essendon," they chanted in full voice before the players emerged to a huge ovation.
One group of fans constructed a banner which read "our support will not waver."
The loudest cheers were for the players, but Dr Bruce Reid and Mark Thompson were also given ovations.
Thompson is yet to indicate his preparedness to step in as interim coach next year.
Stand in coach Simon Goodwin confirmed he would discuss the possibility of staying on as interim coach next year but insisted his immediate focus was Saturday night's 'dead-rubber' against Richmond at the MCG.
"It's a unique experience I suppose, you know I'll probably be the first coach to coach for no points, but in saying that it's a great opportunity," Goodwin said.
He said the playing group was also motivated for the game.
"There's mixed emotions within the group, I think some are angry, some are relieved, some are just looking forward to moving on and I think it has been a really tough and arduous process that we've gone through over six and a half months. We just really want to start moving forward as a footy club again."
It was Essendon's final ever pre-game training session at Windy Hill ahead of the club's full relocation to its new base near Melbourne Airport.