Game style, fundamentals and connection as a group.
That's what Essendon's coaches will start drilling into the group over the summer.
The Bombers returned earlier this week, with multiple senior players and youngsters hitting the track at Tullamarine in a good show of determination to improve, and ultimately get off the bottom of the AFL ladder.
"We've only had a couple of sessions, so we've started on some of our new concepts, getting players to understand what we're trying to achieve, and so far, they've taken everything we've given them," new Essendon assistant coach Daniel Pratt said.
"Still need to work on execution. But there are some positive signs. How we educate is going to be really important. Obviously, we've got a lot of work to do, so first thing is we've got to get our hands dirty. Do the fundamentals.
"There's a new game plan. Fundamentally sound football teams are usually competitive, so that's the first thing to focus on in that space.
"Essentially, it's just spending time with the players. Educating, making sure they understand and seeing if we can transfer that onto the track.
"Because they're a young group, they're pretty impressionable, but they're energised. Our job is to make them understand there's a lot of work to do and a lot of hard work, but also got to have fun."
Pratt is one of seven changes to the Bombers' coaching line-up, headed by Mark McVeigh as the club's new senior coach.
Sydney premiership coach John Longmire (GM of Performance) also fills a need at Tullamarine, while Shane Mumford (Development Coach), Craig Vozzo (GM of Football Operations), Brent Prismall (Head of Development) and Paul Thomas (Assistant Coach) are all fresh faces to the 2026 program.
"It is a small industry, so a lot of us know each other from other lives," he said.
"We have those external relationships, but how tight we become is going to be critical to how well we go as a coaching group. And then setting a good example for the players.
"We're working really hard in our relationships, and that will set up for the players as well."
Pratt has spent the past 16 years coaching after more than a decade playing for Brisbane and North Melbourne.
His first stint at West Coast, when Adam Simpson took over in 2013, is one the Essendon challenge resonates with, as both clubs were starting from scratch.
Pratt has ambitions to be a senior coach, and says the Bombers opportunity will help keep his motivation high.
"It's been a long one. I'm into my 16th year," he said.
"It's exciting creating a new environment led by Spike. The vision is really clear. That's the exciting piece for me. I was able to do that a long time ago at West Coast back at the end of 2013 with Adam Simpson as the coach.
"And then Bevo has been running a really good program for a long time, so I came into something that was already well developed.
"But again, I get the chance to do this and keep my motivation high to coach."
