Dons Digital has released the fourth episode of The Road to 2021 – a docuseries taking the Bomber faithful behind the scenes of pre-season.
Viewed by members first, the Building the Culture episode brings the Bombers’ on-field leaders into the spotlight, showing how they’re driving the foundations to build a sustainable culture at the club.
The episode features interviews with captain Dyson Heppell and co-vice-captain Zach Merrett, with inner-sanctum access including Heppell’s stirring address to his teammates ahead of their first competitive hitout against opposition.
New VFLW captain Georgia Nanscawen and head coach Brendan Major take you behind the scenes of the Bombers’ preparations for their third VFLW season, while new general manager of football Josh Mahoney outlines the club’s vision for women’s footy and the integration between the men’s and women’s programs.
Watch the episode and find a guide below.
00:48 - Insights into the VFLW Bombers' preparations for the 2021 season and integration with the men's program, told through head coach Brendan Major, new VFLW captain Georgia Nanscawen and new general manager of football Josh Mahoney.
15:30 - Senior coach Ben Rutten's address to the players ahead of the five-day lockdown.
17:50 - Captain Dyson Heppell and co-vice-captain Zach Merrett on how Rutten is building the Essendon DNA and culture.
19:50 - General manager of football Josh Mahoney on the selection of the four-man leadership group.
20:32 - Merrett on why he idolises Heppell as a leader.
21:45 - Heppell on his outlook and lessons learned after a challenging 2020.
23:16 - Heppell on Merrett as a leader, and insights into Merrett's leadership style.
27:20 - Heppell's stirring address to the team ahead of their first competitive hitout against opposition.
