Assistant coach Matthew Egan is confident the introduction of a number of experienced recruits during the off-season is already having a significant impact upon the club’s younger players. 

The Bombers returned to the training track on Wednesday to ramp up preparations for the 2015 home and away season opener against Sydney on April 4.

Egan praised the performance of James Gwilt and Adam Cooney in the club’s training session prior to going on a two-week Christmas break.

“We did a big match practice session before Christmas and it was really good to see Gwilty settle in,” Egan said.

“With Hooker, Hibberd and Hurley all away in Colorado he had to stand up and be the key back so it was good to see him and Steinberg take some control down there.

“Coons had a really good day as well, he is looking fit and probably the most lean I have seen him in a while so hopefully he can transfer that into the games.”

Egan highlights Patrick Ambrose as a big improver throughout the off-season with some ‘definite improvement’ in his game over the last few months.

It is not only the experienced recruits that are impressing with the club’s two National Draft selections, Jayden Laverde and Kyle Langford, both catching the eye of the coaching staff.

“Every year you get some fresh faces but it is good to see some experience guys join our side,” Egan said.

“Coons has been around a while and Gwilty is 29 so definitely that helps.

“Jayden, Kyle and Longy are also getting a lot of practice out on the field with the older guys as well.

“It is good to see those young guys ramp it up as well.”