Essendon coach, Matthew Knights, has finalised his 2008 coaching panel, today appointing Scott Camporeale as an assistant coach.
Camporeale, 32, joins Gary O'Donnell as an assistant coach. Ashley Prescott has been appointed development / match day bench coach and, ramping up Essendon's focus on player development, Adrian Hickmott was today appointed development / Bendigo Bombers coach.
Essendon coach, Matthew Knights, said Camporeale was a smart player who is well respected by the playing group.
""He will work closely with structures and set plays and I will work closely with him on that,"" Knights said.
""The most important aspect is that, as a player, he was hugely respected for his work ethic and for being such a smart player. Around the stoppages and in set play he always provided good direction for team-mates and knew what to do himself.
""He has two-way respect with the players and they trust him as a person. Being fresh out of the game with this club he will provide a good, positive link between the players and his fellow coaches.""
Camporeale said he is very excited and honoured to get a full-time position at a great club.
""It is a new era and to be involved at the start with Matthew Knights and to give him support is something I am looking forward to,"" Camporeale said.
""I think we have a good spread of experienced players with a good deal of footy left in them and young players who I can see taking a step forward in 2008 to be more consistent contributors.
""We have a good group of young kids who we drafted last year and we will get a few more in the coming draft.""
Camporeale made his AFL debut for Carlton in 1995 (pick 15 in 1994 AFL Draft) and made his Essendon debut in 2006.
He played 252 AFL games, including 19 with the Bombers, won a premiership with Carlton in 1995, was Carlton Best and Fairest (equal) and an All-Australian in 2000, played in the 1998 and 1999 International Rules Series and represented South Australia in the State of Origin.
Camporeale retired as an Essendon player at the end of the 2007 season following a major knee injury.
The 2008 Essendon coaching panel will be in place at Windy Hill for the start of the first official pre-season training session on the 7th November.
