New coach, Adrian Hickmott believes that while the first month will be a work in progress as Essendon listed and Bendigo players learn more about each other as footballers, the base is there for a successful season.

“Our expectations are to make finals for a start and that’s always everyone’s first goal, players and coaches,” Hickmott said.

“The group’s average age is 19, so we have a really young list. The season is going to be about teaching and learning throughout the year.”

As the senior Essendon side develops into one of the fastest and hardest running teams in the AFL, Hickmott realises the importance of teaching his youngsters to adapt to the speed of the game.

“A few of the 18 and 19 year olds have been getting a bit lost in the practice matches, so the season is also about explaining the pace of the game,” he said.

While the season may just be getting under way Hickmott is excited by the progress of some of the Essendon listed players.

“Tayte Pears, David Myers, infact all of the Essendon first year players have been impressive, they are all very disciplined and love the game. The rookies and second year players like Jay Neagle and Tom Hislop are getting better and better,” he said.

Hickmott also mentioned that in his first six months he had noticed improvement in Courtney Johns and Andrew Lee as they realise and adapt to what it takes to play at the highest level.

In addition to the signing of former Richmond player, Brent Hartigan, Bendigo have also announced a new captain for the 2008 season as local Bendigo boy, James Flaherty, begins his first season in charge.

Flaherty described the captaincy as a huge honour and looked forward to being involved with a really enthusiastic group of young local boys and Essendon listed players. 

The campaign begins against last year's wooden spoon winners and shapes as a good chance for the team to get off to a winning start in 2008.

Bendigo Bombers VFL team play Tasmania at Windy Hill on Sat, 2pm, March 29.