As a player and a Coach, John Worsfold’s football life has been one involving a lot of travel.
From Carlton, to West Coast and then to Adelaide last year, Worsfold and his family have gotten used to life on the road.
The move to Melbourne at the end of last year was a big move for the Worsfold's, but one that John believes was for the best.
“It’s been a pretty good transition for us,” Worsfold told Bomber Radio.
“One of the really exciting things (about the move) is that most of my footy career has been with a lot of travel and a lot of time away from home because I’ve been based out of WA.
“To be in the heart of it now means the kids still get to be involved in the AFL but have Dad home a lot more.”
It has a been a turbulent introduction into his life at Essendon, but Worsfold is still as excited for the upcoming season as he was when he first agreed to take on the top job.
“I would have much rather we got a better result from CAS and we said ‘That’s brilliant, that’s the end of it and we’re moving on’, but we were always prepared to deal with whatever it threw up,” Worsfold said.
“It was the harshest reality for us, but I’m still excited for coaching the boys we still have this year and I’m really excited about coaching the squad we’ll have in the future.”
The off-season has also provided a new look coaching structure.
Mark Harvey, Matthew Egan, Hayden Skipworth were joined by Guy McKenna to take charge of the different playing groups for 2016.
“The line coaches, or performance coaches, have a really strong focus on helping their players be able to play their role for the team,” Worsfold said.
“Their skillset, their fitness, how everything is tracking for them off the field, the balance they have in their lives.
“I really want those coaches to be over all of that so, when those players run out to play, they know exactly what their role is and they’re in peak condition physically and mentally to play that.
“They’re all different, so all those coaches have to work closely with the medical staff, the sports science staff, the high performance staff to make sure that the players are the best that they can be.”
Worsfold also opened up about being reunited with former teammate Guy McKenna.
The two had much success together during their playing days at the Eagles, and now will attempt to replicate that as coaches at the Bombers.
Quite an excentric character, Worsfold joked about working with 'Bluey' once more, but praised the work he has done in his short time at the Club.
“I just hope the fans understand how hard it is for me with what I have to put up with,” 'Woosha' joked.
“He has been awesome, he has a real spring in his step and he brings a lot of passion and genuine enthusiasm for the role and the game, and the Club.
“Through this really tough period he has been really upbeat and he’s enjoying the challenge with working with the midfield.
“He’s not there sitting on dwelling on the fact that he hasn’t a got a few star AFL players, what he’s thinking is I’m really rapt with the way that Zach Merrett’s going and giving Crowley and Leuenberger and opportunity.
“He’s been really good value for us.”
