John Worsfold started his first season as Essendon Coach in one of the most unique situations in the game’s history.  

The former West Coast Eagles premiership player and Coach would have to do without 12 of his best players. 

Instead he would have to rely on a mix of young kids, retirees and players looking for a second chance. 

The message was established early on and remained throughout the whole season.

“It was ‘embrace what’s ahead of us’,” Worsfold told RSN.

Among the ten addititonal short-term contracted players, there was three-time premiership player James Kelly, two-time premiership player Mathew Stokes and Hawthorn premiership player Jonathan Simpkin.

“What a great opportunity over the next eight or nine months to learn about what other clubs have done that have played in premierships,” Worsfold said.

“Even Crowley coming from Fremantle who had been at the top of the ladder for a number of years – let’s draw and suck all of their knowledge out.”

Worsfold wanted to ensure the environment for players and fans remained positive.

“We made sure that every Monday when the players walked in we were up and about and enjoyed the challenge of training up for the next game,” he said.

“The other part was, as challenging as the year was going to be we wanted to have some fun.

“Fun doesn’t mean take it easy for sportspeople, it means work hard because we know we’re getting better but let’s enjoy those challenges.

“It was tough and challenging but I really enjoyed the attitude of everyone involved in our season, including the cheer squad, members and supporters who knuckled down to say ‘we’re not going to feel sorry for ourselves’.”