ESSENDON'S Jobe Watson, having put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the Bombers, says there is a much different vibe around Windy Hill since the club broke its eight-match losing streak.

"It's a much happier place to be around when you're winning," he said at the club's official announcement of his new contract.

"I think the guys are starting to play better as a side. We've put ourselves in situations where we can win games and I guess when you do that you make your own luck."

Watson, son of club legend Tim Watson, who played 307 games for the Bombers, joins veterans Scott Lucas and Dustin Fletcher, both of whom have signed one-year deals for 2009, in agreeing to stay on with Essendon.

He said that the recent performances of younger players had been an inspiration to the club's more senior squad members.

"It's great to see a few of the older guys signing up as well," Watson said.

"I think that the young guys have really sparked the place and the older guys can see some success not so far away.

"The club's heading in an upward direction and I'm thrilled to be part of it."

Watson did not agree that the split round had come at a bad time for the club, which has registered three successive wins.

"There's no bad time to have a break," he said.

"The body was in need of one and hopefully we can now re-group."

The midfielder revealed the club's turn in fortunes was due to a simpler approach form the coaches.

"The coaching staff has just put a big emphasis on getting back to the basics of playing," Watson said.

"I think that we're starting to realise that we need everyone to contribute to the game and if you have all 22 doing a little bit it's easier than three or four guys trying to carry the whole load."