“We started the year with a very young group so we started with uncertainty but we have seen the playing group really evolve and show that they are a competitive unit,” he said.

“We are constantly getting feedback from our supporters from other clubs that people enjoy watching the Essendon Football Club because of the brand of football we play. We are playing exciting football, quick football and attacking football and it seems to be winning over our fans.

“We have also provided supporters with massive highlights and just yesterday morning someone told me they think it has been the most enjoyable season since 2000 when we won the Premiership. Beating Carlton at the MCG, ANZAC Day and defeating last year Premiers was great.”

Hamilton said, despite the highs, the coaches have a strong understanding that there is still plenty of work to do.

“It’s not going to happen overnight for us because we are a work in progress,” he said.

“The exciting thing is that there is a lot of upside and a lot of areas we can improve in. Our team that beat Hawthorn in Round 8 was the youngest Bomber side in 20-years which made a statement but with that youth comes some inconsistency and our aim is to improve on that.”

Hamilton said a number of players had put their hand up to be taken seriously as an AFL player in 2009.

“There have been a couple of standout improvers this year in Jason Winderlich and Courtenay Dempsey after being injury ravaged in the past few seasons,” he said.

“They are now finally able to show what they can do. Paddy Ryder taking over the ruck has given him more responsibility which he is taking up. Andrew Lovett’s efforts have been very good after he was nearly traded last year and some young kids in David Zaharakis and Cale Hooker have done very well.”