Steve Alessio is feeling enthusiastic about his new position at Essendon after being appointed Football Operations Manager at the Bombers.

The premiership ruck man has been working at the AFL Players Association as Manager – Alumni and Corporate Programs for the last five years.

“It is always great to be part of a place that you have so many fond memories with,” Alessio said.

“I am really looking forward to getting in there, rolling the sleeves up and playing my part to help the club get their next premiership.”

The new role will involve a number of important tasks including managing the football department staff, list management duties, salary cap and contracting duties.

“The role has a lot of different elements to it which was one of the appealing things for me in terms of putting my hand up to get back at the club,” Alessio said.

On Friday coach James Hird pointed out it was a rigorous recruitment process with over 40 applicants for the position.

“The HR department as well as Danny Corcoran did a great job in their interviews,” Hird said.

 “There are a number of people that we could have had but Steve was a standout candidate and we are very happy to have Steve back on board.”