Newly appointed Essendon people performance manager Luke Ball says he is looking forward to the challenge of improving relationship and leadership skills among the playing list and coaching staff.
The former St Kilda and Collingwood midfielder joined the Bombers yesterday having spent the past few years at the AFL in the umpiring, match review and football operations departments.
"They've got young players coming through and by all reports they're great people, hungry to succeed,” Ball said on SEN Breakfast.
“Hopefully I can play a part in (developing their leadership).
"It's about creating an environment where players, coaches and staff alike are able to thrive and maximise their potential. That'll be part of the challenge, but I'm certainly going to learn as well.
"I don't see myself as walking in the door, with all of the answers that's going to take them from eighth up the ladder."
Ball said that the approach from the Bombers chief Xavier Campbell before Christmas was unexpected, but is excited about the new challenge.
"It did come out of the blue," he said.
"I've enjoyed two and a half, three years of really good learning under some great people at the AFL … but I probably always imagined I'd end up back at a club.
"Speaking with (AFL football operations boss) Steve Hocking in particular, and a few people at the AFL, they thought it was a really good opportunity to join a club."
Did you miss Luke Ball on SEN Breakfast? Listen to the full chat below!