New recruit Will Setterfield is excited to gel within the midfield group and help establish a strong brand of footy at the coal face.

Regardless of who lines up in the midfield for round one, the Bombers’ engine room is committed to supporting one another and ensuring that they remain flexible with roles and positions.

Setterfield believes that with the right development, Essendon’s midfield can bat deep into the future.

“Everyone has been really flexible, there is an unselfish nature to those boys and the whole midfield group in general,” he said.

“We got a few good kids in (Archie) Perkins and (Ben) Hobbs as well.

“We’re really trying to build a strong brand with that midfield group.”

With an opportunity to showcase his skills in Wednesday’s match simulation, Setterfield didn’t waste his opportunity.

The 192cm midfielder was productive through the middle of the ground, regularly winning the ball at the contest.

“It’s what we do all the training for to get into an intraclub set up,” Setterfield said.

“It was awesome, the intensity was right up.

“It was good to go up against the likes of (Dylan) Shiel, (Darcy) Parish and (Zach) Merrett.”

With the group fully engaged and pushing hard to instil senior coach Brad Scott’s new principles, Setterfield feels that he is tracking well heading into the pointy end of pre-season.

“I feel like I’m tracking well, I am doing as much work as I can with the midfield group,” Setterfield said.

“We are getting to know the principals that we want to apply this year.”

Setterfield credits the strong pre-season to the positive vibe and energy around the club.

“The whole pre-season, the energy of the group has been outstanding, the culture has been really strong,” Setterfield said.

“The group is really trying build the standards within the footy club.

“It feels awesome, I am really settled now, I love coming into work and being around the boys.”