Essendon coach James Hird believes the club’s three experienced recruits will play an important role in the club improving on its seventh place finish of 2014.

Adam Cooney, James Gwilt and Jonathan Giles all had their first official week in the red and black after kicking off pre-season training on Monday.

The Bombers coach said the trio had already fitted in well to the playing group during their first week of training.

“Jonathan, Adam and James (Gwilt) have fitted in really well although it has been just three days for them,” Hird said.

“They have found some people to talk to, they are moving around training pretty easily and they are all experienced players so it is not as though they don’t know how to play the game.

“It is about getting them used to the way we play and getting to learn the names of all the players but so far we have been very impressed.”

The addition of Gwilt to an already experienced defensive group will provide the team with greater versatility and flexibility.

Michael Hurley has the potential to push forward if needed with Gwilt able to cover or the former St Kilda defender may even play in the forward line himself.

“James will play both I think, we want players with the ability to play at both ends of the ground because flexibility is important in this competition,” Hird said.

“I see him playing both roles, he is obviously pretty good at both of them.

“He made his mark at St Kilda as a backman but of recent years he has played some good games up forward as well.”

Giles is set to form a strong partnership in the ruck with big man Tom Bellchambers following a 51 game career at Greater Western Sydney.

Hird is excited by the ability of the former Giant ruckman to be able to push forward and kick goals if required.

“I think both of those guys are quiet mobile and can take a mark as well as play forward.”

“You need ruckman that can play forward, you don’t want to rest them on the bench for too long.

“It will be great to see them form that partnership and Joey will play a little bit in the ruck as well.”