Essendon Coach John Worsfold says the first bounce in tomorrow’s season opener against Gold Coast will usher in a new phase in the Bombers history.

After an off-season that welcomed the new Coach, a new Chairman, top draft picks and new recruits either side of the Court of Arbitration for Sport verdict, Essendon opens its 2016 campaign against Gold Coast.

“This is the start of the new era for the Essendon Football Club,” Worsfold said.

“Our aim is to create a culture of elite standards in our preparation and performance, to make sure that we learn a lot throughout this year and have some fun while we’re doing it.”

The Essendon team to face Gold Coast features ten new players, including five signed since CAS handed down its penalty.

Worsfold acknowledged those players may not be contributors in the long term, but said they will play an important role in shaping the Club’s future.

Despite the upheaval, Worsfold said the squad has made the most of its limited time together.

“The team has prepared pretty well,” he said.

“It has come together since the middle of January, so it is a bit different – we all acknowledge that.

“But most of the guys we’ve got in there are experienced players and they’ve settled in really quickly.

“The whole squad has still got plenty to learn about each other, but we’re excited about stepping up to that now.”

Worsfold said he’s looking forward to the challenges the side will encounter throughout the year.

“We don’t want to go into any game with anyone feeling sorry for us,” he said.

“We’re going into games to play and learn a brand of footy that over a number of weeks we’ll continue to grow and get better at.

“Ultimately it’s going to be about the effort we’re putting in that we’re going to measure ourselves on.

“I’m here to coach the team to grow and become successful and be part of a great Club.”