My two cents worth.
Five years on: are Essendon in a good place?
All things considered, yes.
Has the saga helped Essendon improve culturally?
Yes and No.
Yes:
Off-field, I think the club is better for it in the long run and so far, the early signs are good.
On-field, The current EFC team is very different to the one from 2012, it's a lot smaller, faster, exciting and dynamic; time will tell.
Five years on: are Essendon in a good place?
All things considered, yes.
- The club recorded it's largest membership base in 2017
- The club managed to report a profit, despite paying off multiple player compensation claims
- There are multiple skilful youngsters who's development has been fast-tracked, as a result of the saga
- Introduction of John Worsfold has resulted in improved management of staff and players as well as an improved club atmosphere/culture.
Has the saga helped Essendon improve culturally?
Yes and No.
Yes:
- The club's in a better position in terms of the way the club manages it's resources and processes
- New staff has enabled fresh thinking and reduced some of the "resting on our laurels" mentality
- The atmosphere around the club feels fresh
- It's a bad piece of history to have.
Off-field, I think the club is better for it in the long run and so far, the early signs are good.
On-field, The current EFC team is very different to the one from 2012, it's a lot smaller, faster, exciting and dynamic; time will tell.