Pre-season for Scott Camporeale usually involves a gruelling 3.2km time trial with team-mates around the tan. This year’s run, however, will be a lot easier for Campo who will most likely be holding a stopwatch rather than hitting the track in the Essendon uniform.

As the Bomber boys commence full training next week, Camporeale will be settling down into his new role of assistant coach.

""It’s going to be a very different scenario for me,"" Camporeale said.

""But I am really excited about it and it's something that I am really looking forward to.

""I really enjoyed my time around the club and didn’t want to leave, so when I saw the opportunity was there to go for the job, I couldn’t have hoped for anything better.

""I’ve always considered that I might want to do an assistant coaching role but I didn’t think the opportunity would come as early as it did so I am wrapt to get the opportunity.""

Despite knowing most of the 2008 side on a team-mate level from last season, Camporeale is confident he can gain the respect of the playing group in his new role.

""I don’t think it will be difficult,"" he said.

""Obviously we are team-mates straight out of the game but we have a young list and I would hope that we are able to create a professional relationship as well as a friendship away from the game.""

Camporeale will join the young Essendon coaching panel led by Matthew Knights, along with fellow assistant coach Gary O’Donnell, development and match-day bench coach, Ashley Prescott, and development and Bendigo Bombers coach Adrian Hickmont.

""I know Adrian quite well because I have played footy with him and we are mates away from the footy scene,"" Camporeale said.

""I haven’t met Ashley officially yet. We had a few mutual friends early on in our careers but I look forward to meeting him and working with him now that everyone has been appointed.""