Essendon coach Mark Thompson believes Paul Chapman’s experience will be invaluable for the club, likening his arrival to that of last year’s addition Brendon Goddard.

Speaking at this morning’s press conference to announce Fujitsu General as the club’s new co-major partner, Thompson said Chapman would add another exciting element to the playing list.

“Chappy will help this football club. I’m excited,” Thompson said.

“Having Brendon come in and pass on his experiences and knowledge to a young list was invaluable. Chappy will be another little dimension to that. If he stays fit, he will kick goals and he will help us be a better football club.

“Brendon had a great first year here, and he was very good for us. We think Chappy will do the same.”

As the club turns its focus to the pre-season campaign, Thompson refused to put any limitations on where the Bombers would finish next season.

“We’re not putting expectations [on our performance] or limitations either. Simply, we’re going to try to be the best we can be and more importantly, we’re going to try to do things right.”

“Our list is quite strong, if not a touch young, but our young players have shown that they can play and that we can teach them to play.”

Thompson also said that despite recently losing Stewart Crameri to the Western Bulldogs, he would ensure the club was strong enough to keep its future players.

“No club likes losing players they want to keep but hopefully our club is strong enough in the future that no players ever want to leave (even just for a little bit more money).”

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