Speaking after Hird’s four-year appointment on Tuesday morning, Watson said there was a new enthusiasm among the playing group.
“Just really excited,” Watson said of Hird's appointment.
“It was really exciting for the club. We will all come together on Friday and I’m sure James will spell out to the players right away what the expectations are.
“I think the players will be really enthused about it and really excited about the next 12 months and the next four years.”
Hird comes into the senior coaching role with no apprenticeship as an assistant coach but Watson says his time in football and in particular with Essendon gave him plenty of experience for the position.
“That development and the improvement he wants to get out of the players - I’m sure that with the experience that he has, that is the thing he will be trying to instil in the playing group straight away.”
