An instant connection and congruent philosophies with senior coach Ben Rutten were some of the key reasons why new Bombers assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa joined the club. 

The 2020 AFLCA Assistant Coach of the Year is a key off-field acquisition for Essendon after spending the past 20 seasons at the Western Bulldogs - 14 as a player and six as a coach.

The 38-year-old retired in 2014 after 265 games, transitioning to coaching in 2015 where he oversaw the Bulldogs’ forward line, stoppages and set plays, before becoming their VFL senior coach in 2019.

With the highly regarded mentor officially starting as the Bombers’ back-line coach this week, Giansiracusa pointed to meeting Rutten at the Gold Coast hub, which Essendon and the Western Bulldogs were sharing, as a key catalyst in his move to the NEC Hangar. 

“We (Essendon and Western Bulldogs) were in the hub together at times at the Royal Pines (and) it all (the move) sort of eventuated after the season,” Giansiracusa said.

“(When) Essendon finished up, 'Truck' (Ben Rutten) got into contact and we had our first initial conversation. 

“The Bulldogs were still playing, so he left me alone for a couple of weeks, but once I got back to Melbourne, we had a chat and connected really well.

“We’ve got similar views and ideas on things and I was excited by the chance to move and see a different organisation and I jumped at the chance which was given to me.” 

Giansiracusa is regarded as an exceptional educator and possesses a development-first mentality in getting the best out of players. 

With Rutten also touted as having the same mantras and skills, Giansiracusa says sharing those same values, paired with an instant connection, presented an opportunity to join Essendon which was too good to refuse. 

“(What excites me is) the education side of some of the things Truck’s going to put in place for both the coaches and the players,” he said.

“He’s done similar courses to what I’ve done in my coaching journey (and) we played against each other, so there was just the connection straight away that I felt comfortable with him.

“(it’s also) another opportunity to learn from not only him, but the other coaches here and hopefully have success which is what we’re all looking for.”

As he settles in at only his second AFL club in his two-decade career, Giansiracusa believes the Bombers are well placed to turn into a strong-performing side. 

What gives Giansiracusa optimism is the “high talent” the club possesses, something which can be tapped into if the playing list can be guided into putting it all together on-field. 

“I think there’s a young group that’s up and coming and connecting all of those pieces, that’s probably the most exciting part of what we want to achieve, and I’m really excited about being part of that,” he said. 

“There’s a lot of high talent, but bringing that connection and chemistry to a group to put wins out on the park, that’s what everyone’s aim is.”