Essendon is tapping in to the knowledge of its new recruits to ensure its methods keep pace with the league’s leading teams.

Many of the Bombers new recruits over the last month have tasted finals and premiership success at rival clubs over the last decade.

“All clubs have a very similar focus and a pretty similar environment but there are subtleties in terms of what you say one club might be an expert at,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“We’re tapping in to all of that.” 

The research extends from learning more about opposition’s recovery methods to establishing which day is the best fit for the players mandatory day-off during the home and away season.

"They’ve all come from different programs – so what’s a Thursday day off look like compared to a Monday that Fremantle have,” Worsfold said.

“We asked Ryan (Crowley) what the benefits were… (and then) asked James Kelly about the Thursday day-off and his preparation.”

The Bombers have secured eight of their permitted ten new recruits and would like to land at least one more key position player before the March 15 cut-off date. 

“We are happy with what we’ve got but we are still looking,” Worsfold said. 

“We’ve got two spots left that we potentially can fill and we’re still exploring what’s available.”

Worsfold said the new recruits have made a positive first impression as they look to make the most of their new opportunity.

“Their attitude has been outstanding as you can imagine,” he said.

“Most of them have had long, successful careers.  They bring huge experience to our young group.

“They see the youth in our squad and they’re really enjoying adding experience to that.”