Essendon has adopted a new look warm-up in recent weeks and the early signs suggest the move is working.

Traditionally the Bombers would run out on to the field about 40 minutes before the game to perform an initial warm-up, they'd then head back to the rooms before returning about ten minutes before the first bounce to run through the banner and complete a second warm-up.

But Coach John Worsfold, in consultation with the Leadership Group and fitness staff, has implemented a new approach to the pre-game preparations.

“The thinking behind it is really just challenging what has been done for a long time and challenging why it’s done that way,” Worsfold told Bomber Radio.

“I talked to our sports science and conditioning guys about our warm-up, what we’re trying to get out of it and, ultimately, what we need the players to be looking like before they run out.

“I asked the leadership group about what they understood the warm-up was for and how they found it.

“We pretty much came to the same answer, which was we do things because over time it’s evolved that way where the AFL have said you’re only allowed for your first on ground warm-up from the 40 minute pre-bounce time until the 30 minute.

“So everyone has just adapted to that, whereas we’ve challenged that and we’re doing it differently now.”

The new approach sees the team perform their initial warm up about 20 minutes before the first bounce, the team returns to the rooms briefly and then runs through the banner about five minutes before the game gets underway.

“The players believe that the warm-up is a lot more efficient and effective for them,” Worsfold said.

“I agree, so it’s something that we’ll continue to go with.

“We’re aiming to come out five minutes before which means, once the players are basically out there, the three sirens are about to sound, the toss of the coin will happen and we’ll get into position.

“There are a few other clubs which have been doing this for longer and have changed their warm-ups drastically. So it was something that I wanted to challenge if there was a better way to do it and we feel like we’re doing it better now.” 

Essendon used the new pre-game schedule against the Giants and won only its second first quarter of the season.

The side also came on to the ground at the later time against Hawthorn and booted two of the first three goals before the reigning premiers took control.