Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell has commended the playing group’s attitude in the early stages on the road to 2019. 

While the Bombers’ second-to-fourth-year players started pre-season on Monday, skipper Dyson Heppell was among six experienced heads who reported early for duty.

Campbell said the players had taken the initiative to do the extra yards - not just in the first week of pre-season, but also in the lead-up to it.

“Obviously I’m in here (The Hangar) regularly. Seeing the traffic going through the gym over the past six to eight weeks has been really pleasing,” Campbell told SEN 1116.

“First and foremost, they (players) enjoy the company of each other, which is a great building block for building a strong group with a strong culture. They’re enjoying the training piece, which is great.

“Obviously we want to see our team keep improving. We want to see our group play consistent football, and we want our fans to enjoy watching us play football. All of that starts with a really solid pre-season, and I know that’s the focus for ‘Woosha’ (senior coach John Worsfold) and his group.”

Essendon's full squad will train together for the first time on Monday.

Among those on the track will be star recruit Dylan Shiel, who's poised to thrill the Bomber faithful in 2019.

"I know Dylan’s really excited about coming in and being a part of it," Campbell said.

"He can be one of a number of talented players on our list, and our expectation of him is that he enjoys himself and builds really strong relationships with the group. Having spent a fair bit of time with him over the past month, I know he’ll do that."