Essendon forward Jessica Wuetschner has opened up on the growing culture at the Bombers ahead of their first AFLW match on Saturday night.
Wuetschner made the move to Tullamarine prior to season seven after six years and 38 games for Brisbane, and is set to run out on Marvel Stadium in Round 1 as part of the Bombers' inaugural side.
The 30-year-old spoke to Zero Hanger in the lead up to the anticipated clash against Hawthorn, revealing that the move south after being delisted by the Lions was a welcome change in dynamic.
"There's a reason why Brisbane have been so successful, it's very professional up there. They have that sort of culture," Wuetschner said.
"Being down here is very different. It's more of a chat between coaching staff and players about what's best for everyone not being told what to do, which I really enjoy.
WATCH: Wuetschner joins Zero Hanger TV
"I think that's just something that (head coach) Natalie Wood has brought in to the club very early on. It's that culture of it's not just players and staff, it's everyone integrated. I really loved that change in dynamic."
The premiership Lion spent time away from footy earlier in the year in order to focus on her mental health after finding herself on the outer of Brisbane's starting lineup.
The dangerous small forward topped the Lions' goalkicking tally in both 2018 and 2019 and has admitted that her move to the Bombers has helped her regain her love for the game.
"I think I lost a lot of confidence in myself towards the end of my career at Brisbane and I think just being in that new environment and having people just really back me and support me and show that care has really helped me enjoy my football again," Wuetschner said.
Though entering the league as an expansion team, much has been made of the Bombers' chances in season seven, with some suggesting finals may be on the horizon given their big-name recruits
Essendon will get their season underway against Hawthorn on Saturday at Marvel Stadium, with the first bounce at 7:10pm AEST.
