ESSENDON coach Mark Thompson has addressed his playing group in his 'jocks' as he tries to keep things 'fun' at the under-siege club.
The Bombers will face Geelong on Friday night, just hours after the first court hearing involving the club, James Hird and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
Thompson is confident the players won't be distracted by the legal proceedings, which are set to be televised.
"I haven't talked about it this week, so I probably won't talk about it tomorrow. If they want to watch it they'll watch it, if they don't they won't," Thompson told reporters at Tullamarine on Thursday.
"I think we'd be pretty disappointed if they spent most of tomorrow thinking about what's happening in court.
"They're bigger and better than that, they've been able to show that they've been able to concentrate on the footy and I'd expect the same."
In recent weeks Thompson has spoken of a concerted effort to make sure the players are having fun when at the footy club, revealing some of his methods on Thursday morning.
"I was strolling round in a pair of jocks this morning because I lost a bet, they were laughing, they were having fun, at me, my expense," he said
He explained the bet related to a set play the team had been trying to execute.
"We just asked for a bit of play last week, and we haven't been able to do it all year, and I thought if you do it, I'll train in my jocks," he said.
"I actually can't train in my jocks because you guys are here."
While Thompson will be coaching against the Cats for the first time in the main chair, Friday night's match also marks Paul Chapman's first game against his old club.
Thompson said the three-time premiership Cat has a point to prove.
"I think deep down, he's openly admitted that he would have preferred to stay and play on at Geelong, but he's also mature enough to realise it didn't happen and he's enjoying his time here," he said.
"(I've) been texting him, just telling him to keep it all in check mate, just let it happen."
Jake Carlisle (knee) and Michael Hibberd (leg) are both expected to play after taking part in the session.
