Morris returned to Essendon earlier this year to take on the role as Development Coach. Morris replaces Dean Bailey who recently accepted a role as assistant coach at Port Adelaide Football Club. Morris has been busy getting acquainted and working with the players. ""It has been a very busy period since I started. It is an important time of year, especially coming in at the later stage of the pre-season. I need to catch up with everything that has been going on,"" the former Richmond and Collingwood player said. Morris is impressed so far with what he has seen at Essendon. ""The players are extremely professional in their approach and their attitude. The players are totally committed to be the best they can be and the older group are great role models for the younger players,"" Morris said.
Paul Salmon has enjoyed returning to the club he called home for the first 14-years of his AFL career. Salmon has been getting to know the new players and re-acquainting himself with former teammates. Salmon will reunite with a few old teammates including Matthew Lloyd. In 1995, Paul’s final year at Essendon, they played together four times. In 2002 the two reunite with a total of 12 club leading goalkicking years since 1984 and 968 goals between them (Lloyd 459 and Salmon 509) at Essendon. Essendon has never had two big goalkickers on the playing field together ever. ""I am looking forward to the season. I am here to fulfill my personal goals and help my teammates in the process - the aim is to win the 2002 premiership,"" the dual premiership player said. Salmon and teammate Steve Alessio - both on the veterans list - are taking on role model responsibilities with the younger players. ""We are happy to have a chat to the younger guys and give them advice if they ask for it. We have both been around for a while so if there is something we can do to make it easier for them, we are happy to do so,"" Alessio said.