Essendon football operations manager Paul Hamilton said the training camp, designed to focus on strategy and leadership, could not have been more successful.
“The spirit shown by the playing group throughout the entire camp has been excellent,” Hamilton said.
“We definitely achieved everything we had planned to when organising the trip. I don’t think it could have been a better trip.”
While the players’ training standards continued to impress the coaching staff, Hamilton said the team’s willingness to learn and contribute to the group was a highlight of the trip.
“The one thing that really stood out to everyone up here was the players’ involvement in everything, whether it be in the meetings, strategy or at training,” Hamilton said.
“The playing group have all been willing to contribute and help each other out and their attitudes have been fantastic.
“People at the club who have been around a while have said that the players’ attitudes at the club are the best they have ever been which is great to hear.
“The feedback that we have received from locals up here and the people from the resort has also been excellent.
“There are a number of teams who come up to Coffs Harbour to do these types of training camps but the feedback about our guys has been fantastic. They have been great role models for the Essendon brand.”
During their camp in Coffs Harbour, Essendon’s coaches took time out to impart their knowledge at a football clinic and coaches seminar with some of NSW’s most promising young talent.
Essendon’s three NSW scholarship holders, James Webster, Josh Cole and Oliver Tweeddale also took part in the clinic.
All Essendon’s players made it through the camp without injury.
“As you could have hoped, all the players got through the camp okay. There were no injuries which is what we would have hoped for,” Hamilton said.
The Essendon players and coaches are on leave until January 5th 2009.
