The culture amongst the playing group at Essendon is what has stood out most to new Development coach Paul Corrigan since joining the club in December.

Corrigan has been with the club for just one month and will play a key role alongside James Byrne with the Bombers development and welfare program.

“I think just the club in general has really impressed me in how they go about it,” Corrigan said.

“I think when you look at the guys that have been here for a few years you know it’s a club that there is no segregation between the oldest and youngest and everyone gets along.

“This is what makes a really good football club”.

Corrigan said the leadership shown from the club’s older players had been extremely impressive.

“You know you obviously look at your older players such as Jobe Watson and Brendon Goddard who has come into the club as well and the way he has come in and shown his leadership qualities,” he said.

“Even the young kids that have come in, all the draftees that we have picked up are great kids and really want to learn.”

Corrigan said setting the playing group up off the field was just as important as improving their game on it.

“It’s really important that these guys can establish a career off the field as well and can have something to fall back on,” he said.

“I mean footy can become pretty daunting and you know you can sort of live your life a little bit it can last 2 years or it can last 10 years.”