Essendon’s fresh faces are eager for their first AFL seasons to officially arrive.

With the side ramping up their pre-season bouts of match simulation in anticipation of February’s practice matches, Assistant Coach Ben Jacobs has found himself impressed by the mindset and output of the Dons’ recent draft crop.

While the first few months’ worth of integration into the professional level can hold its challenges, the Bombers’ seven new draftees are chomping at the bit to make every session count – and it certainly isn’t going unnoticed.

“We’ve got a lot of young boys, first-years, who are up to the task to train and not get held back too much,” Jacobs said.

“They’re really helping the intensity and enthusiasm of training.

“(Their schedules are) a week-by-week thing that (Head of High Performance Sean Murphy) and the fitness staff are looking after, but because they are so well conditioned, they’re ready to go.

“Not only are they just out there, they’re making a real impact and it’s always nice starting with a fresh canvas, so you’re educating and coaching but we’re actually seeing them translate it quite quick.”

The Club’s Community Camp and Mt. Buller trips on the verge of their Christmas break created further opportunities for the youngsters to connect with Essendon’s leaders, with the overall energy of the group prominent.

Jacobs has also enjoyed the opportunity for the wider coaching staff to establish rapport with the squad’s varying age groups over the course of the last few months.

“In the locker room, I think (the vibe) is good,” Jacobs said.

“There’s a young list, but (it’s also good) for us as Coaches to be able to get away with these guys and bond on a different level.

“We’re stuck behind our laptops all the time, so to get to know these guys on a deeper level, especially younger guys, to start their journey was awesome.”

“They’re adding a lot of value to the sessions already.”

With the majority of the Dons’ list training fully, full-ground drills and competitive sessions have been easier to implement, which was noted as far back as their November start to pre-season.

Jacobs is keen to see what different looks the Dons can provide as they continue their trajectory towards Opening Round in March.

“(There are) a lot of numbers on the track, which is good for this time of year,” Jacobs said.

“A lot of clubs are (back in good shape) but it allows us to hit the ground running and be straight into some contested, full ground stuff.

“We’ve got the luxury of having two decent-sized grounds here, so we’re allowed to play a lot in space and really stretch our defence and offence in different ways.”