KA: SACK HIM! It is time to sack the golden boy, the messiah, the man who will do whatever it takes to win. 

James Hird has failed the Essendon Football Club in so many ways and it is now time for him to do the right thing (if he actually knows what is right and wrong) and stand down. 

He is supposed to be banished from the club this year and yet who is the man that is causing trouble - James Hird. 

His wife Tania spoke candidly last week about the drugs scandal, but in my opinion, she was just the scapegoat for old mate Hirdy. 

I say sack him. 

Did you like that serve, Westy?

LW: Geez Magpie, I'm going back into the pavilion to put on a helmet, arm guard and chest guard.

You sure have come off the long run-up with the new ball there and delivered an over of fierce bouncers.

I can speak here as an Essendon member, and what has transpired over the past week has certainly been frustrating and disappointing.

Unfortunately, the supplements saga flaring up again after Tania Hird's 7.30 Report interview has done what happened so often last year - take all the focus away from what was an outstanding win by the Bombers last Friday night against North Melbourne in what was Dustin Fletcher's record-breaking game.

Hopefully, this is the last we hear from the Hird camp this year while Hirdy serves his suspension and there's no more unnecessary fuel thrown onto the fire.

The past week would have tested the patience of most of the Essendon faithful - mine included - but I'll back in the board's decision to stick with Hirdy next year and beyond.

Even you, Magpie, have to agree those mighty Bombers were mighty impressive against the Roos last week.

KA: Those mighty Bombers played the most hyped-up team of the pre-season in the Roos. 

I am not sure if it was the Bombers who were good or if the Roos were that bad.

The ultimate test will come on Friday night when you play the red-hot Hawks. 

Even without Buddy Franklin they look to be one of the sides to beat this season. 

My Pies also have a big game against the Swans this weekend. 

I think we are in with a real chance. 

LW: Us Essendon supporters have all slept a little easier this week knowing we won't be coming up against Buddy in a brown and gold jumper on Friday night.

Buddy kicked a lazy 50 goals in his 10 games as a Hawk against the Bombers, including eight in round 18 last year, of which I had a front-row seat to at Etihad Stadium.

What are you hoping to see from your Magpies against the Swans on Saturday night after they were taught a football lesson by the Fremantle Dockers in the first game of the season... how long ago does that seem now.

KA: It really does seem like a lifetime ago when the season began. 

I am hoping to see a team effort, hunger to win the ball and a bit of energy. 

Against the Dockers, Collingwood started well and the pressure was up, but then it all fell away. 

If the Pies can play four quarters of competitive footy then I am expecting a W instead of an L at the end of round two. 

LW: W instead of an L.

Come on Magpie, we're talking footy, not basketball.

KA: Ahh Westy, you gotta love footy.  

There is always something happening off the field, but let's just leave it to the players to put on a good show. 

But for me, it is always good to see the Bombers lose and the Pies win.