In his second day as an Essendon player, the 2008 Brownlow medallist said a decision to leave the Bulldogs after 11 seasons and 219 games was reached when he met with McCartney and list manager Jason McCartney.

"We had a really good chat about where I was at, and both parties felt change was probably needed to get the best out of myself for the remainder of my career," Cooney said on Friday. 

Cooney said "at times" he had issues with McCartney, who resigned as Dogs coach last week, but that he didn't reconsider staying with the club when McCartney departed. 

"It was bittersweet, but I think for both parties it was best that I moved on. It will fast-track the development of some of the kids at the Bulldogs, open up a couple of spots in their midfield, so it's good for both parties," Cooney said. 

The 29-year-old was linked strongly to North Melbourne, who were in talks with the Bulldogs to secure Cooney's services. 

But Cooney said he didn't consider heading to Arden Street as he was immediately impressed by Essendon's training facility, coaches and players he met when he passed a medical "with flying colours" last week.

"Essendon was always the club I wanted to get to," he said, having signed a two-year contract through to the end of the 2016 season.

Essendon's time under the ASADA spotlight is set to continue, with fresh show-cause notices expected to be soon issued to 34 current and former players. 

But Cooney said he didn't have any concerns about the future at the club. 

"If I did I wouldn't have picked Essendon to play for," he said. 

"I'm looking forward to getting into training and I'll be ignoring all that.”