Essendon’s senior playing group has kicked off their 2015 pre-season campaign returning to the True Value Solar Centre on Monday.

The club’s full playing list is now back in training minus captain Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard and Dustin Fletcher who are on representative duties with the Australian International Rules squad.

New recruits Adam Cooney, Jonathan Giles and James Gwilt officially met their new teammates for the first time, taking part in a light skills session on Monday morning.

The group joined their younger teammates (first to fourth year players) who returned to training a fortnight ago.

Newly appointed goal-kicking coach Matthew Lloyd was on hand for his first session taking young forward Joe Daniher for some practice following the main session.

High Performance Manager Justin Crow said the group had returned in good shape following their break.

 “We have the four plus year players back on board today and at this stage we are pleased with how they have returned,” Crow said.

“Over the next few days we will conduct a number of tests with the playing group to determine their fitness levels and get a better understanding of how they have returned from their break.”

Over the next few days the group will take part in a number of tests including a 2km time trial to test their endurance.

A skills session involving the whole playing group is set to take place on Friday from 9.30am and is open for fans to attend.