Essendon veteran Jason Winderlich has praised new recruit Paul Chapman for the leadership he has displayed at the club, just months into the key forward making the move from Geelong.
Winderlich, a member of the club’s revamped leadership group, said Chapman brought a different element of leadership to the side.
“He has been a perfect fit so far,” Winderlich said.
“I think it was good for him to stay back in Melbourne while the main group was in Colorado in November. It meant that he was getting to know the first to third year players and got a real great understanding of our young players here. That way, they got to absorb information out of him too.
“We all have a massive amount of respect for him and how he goes about his football.”
Chapman’s move to Essendon followed the likes of Brendon Goddard, who came to Essendon under the free-agency rule at the end of 2012. Winderlich praised both players for the leadership they have naturally implemented.
“We just needed a top up of experience and more leadership on the field to help out Jobe,” Winderlich told SEN.
“BJ and Chappy definitely bring that. On the training track, Chappy has been sensational. When we’ve been doing match simulation practice, he absolutely stands out. His decision making around the ball is fantastic.”
The 29-year-old is currently completing his eleventh pre-season campaign and believes his body is holding up well with the training demands.
“It has been a good pre-season so far for the group, and I feel great,” Winderlich said.
“I have completed the entire pre-season so far, for the first time in quite a few years and the body feels great.
“I am enjoying pulling up well after each session and being able to join in the whole lot.”
Yesterday, Essendon announced the revamped leadership group for 2014 which includes Winderlich, captain Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard, Brent Stanton, Heath Hocking, Dyson Heppell and David Myers.
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