THE ANXIETY felt by some Essendon players about potential doping bans is not affecting the Bombers' preparations for round one, recruit Adam Cooney says.
As the verdict from the long-running supplements saga draws near, Cooney said some players were feeling stressed about their playing futures.
But as he prepares to don the red and black for the first time against Greater Western Sydney on Friday night, the former Western Bulldog hoped his new teammates could show the same mental resolve as the past two seasons.
"I think the guys have been pretty resilient in the last two-and-a-half years. They've been through it all," Cooney said.
"I think they've played well under stress the last two years and there's no reason they can't perform again at the start of the season.
"There's no doubt that the players will be anxious to find out what's going to happen, but we don't really know.
"It's certainly not something we speak about inside the club. The guys are really positive and just want an end to it all, I think.
"We've done a lot of match simulation-type training throughout the whole pre-season.
"We've had long enough to play together and to train together that when the guys come back, I think we'll all play well together."
Cooney, who crossed to Tullamarine after playing 219 games for the Bulldogs in 11 seasons, said he has enjoyed nearly a full pre-season and has only missed a couple of sessions.
It is a far cry from the 2011 and 2012 seasons when the 2008 Brownlow medallist's career seemed to be at the crossroads due to a lingering knee problem.
"It's the most training I've done in the last couple of years, so I'm feeling fit," Cooney said.
The last two years I've played 19 and 18 games and missed with minor injuries. As long as I can keep myself injury-free, I think I can play every game."
Cooney and fellow recruit James Gwilt are among a host of senior players returning for Friday night's NAB Challenge clash against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium.
Also included are Brendon Goddard, Joe Daniher, Zach Merrett and David Zaharakis, who were all held out of last Saturday's loss to St Kilda in Morwell.
Essendon's 29-player squad includes 11 top-up players who are filling in for those 2012-listed Bombers who remain provisionally suspended.
Cooney said he was keen to help lead the inexperienced side, which will be captained by Goddard.
"It's just more excitement than (nerves)," Cooney said ahead of his first match.
"I haven't played for a while. I haven't played with this group before, so it's just exciting with a new bunch of guys. Hopefully we all play well together this weekend."
