Essendon forward Jye Menzie has spoken glowingly of the Bombers' bond since returning from last November's pre-season trip to the United States.
The playing group's nexus is purportedly stronger following the two-week, player-funded venture to the U.S. state of Arizona late last year, during which the attending Bombers were put through their pre-season paces by professional trainers.
The Dons are preparing to embark on a 2024 campaign that will represent coach Brad Scott's second in charge of the Tullamarine-based club, with Essendon still without a finals triumph since 2004.
However, if Menzie's recent comments are anything to go by, the Bombers have started the year on the right foot.
"The vibe around the group at the moment is obviously really good," Menzie told EssendonFC.com.au.
"Everyone's loving coming into the club and getting to work with a lot of game plan and match simulated stuff.
"It's been about finalising everything and making little tweaks from last year to implement into drills and getting it embedded into the way we play.
"Every team can obviously say the same, but we're definitely putting the hard yards in and I think we're going to get a lot out of that this year. Going to Arizona was another step in the right direction with the group."
Comparing the players' current chemistry with what it was like at the beginning of his Essendon tenure in mid-2022, Menzie described the stark difference.
"I think the bond we have now is unmatched compared to when I started," he declared.
"We have a lot of talent in this group and it's an exciting time for us to take on the challenge this year."
The 21-year-old South Adelaide product went on to detail his connection with senior players and explain his approach to the upcoming 2024 campaign.
"I've been able to fast-track my experience by living with a real leader in Andrew McGrath and then surrounding myself with guys like Kyle Langford and Darcy Parish, who've helped me a lot," said Menzie.
"I'm happy with how I went last year, but I'm looking to see how far I can push myself. Last pre-season, the goal was just to get as much out of myself as possible, and I suppose last year was a good stepping stone (with my form), but now it's all about just bettering myself again.
"I've gotten a lot out of the past few months."
The physically imposing forward booted 23 goals across 21 games last year, solidifying his place in Essendon's best 23.
Menzie and the Bombers face St Kilda in their first of two practice matches on February 23.