Essendon Captain Jobe Watson says there is a feeling of ‘excitement’ within the group as the pre-season nears the half way mark.

The Bombers players have endured some hot temperatures in the final sessions before the Christmas break.

It’s the group’s first pre-season under new Coach John Worsfold and Watson said the premiership coach’s experience has been evident.

“It’s been really good, it’s been really positive, there is a lot of excitement,” Watson said.

“John has brought an incredible amount of knowledge and experience to the team and to the whole Club.

“I think the players are really enjoying his style and we’re really looking forward to continuing to work hard and preparing ourselves to come out in 2016 and play well.”

The players will hold a special Christmas session on Tuesday with  fans encouraged to attend.

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Watson said the players would welcome their Chirstmas break and will return refreshed ahead of the 2016 season.

“The players have attacked the pre-season in the right frame of mind,” he said.

“You enjoy some time with your family, knowing that you’re coming back and you’re seven weeks away from playing your first NAB Cup game.

“It goes incredibly quickly and this Christmas break is a good opportunity to relax the mind, but knowing that you’re about to undertake a serious campaign that will last ten months so it’s very exciting.”