A new head coach wasn't the only Hall on the Edmonton Eskimos this season.
The team underwent a massive overhaul to its roster throughout the year.
Of the 42 active players in last Sunday's West semifinal against the Calgary Stampeders, less than half were with the Eskimos in 2008.
There were 22 new faces in the game, which is something head coach Richie Hall doesn't expect to see happen in his sophomore season with the club.
Instead, the team will focus on specific issues with personnel groupings in 2010, and make the required changes where they're deemed necessary.
"I think any time that you lead a football team, you try to get that chemistry, that continuity," Hall said.
"Continuity comes with having the same players there, where they become comfortable with each other, with their role and in your scheme as far as what you're trying to do."
Familiarity is not only a benefit for players, but for the staff that also accompanied the new head coach.
"For me, knowing Edmonton, knowing the organization, we got a year under our belts," Hall said. "I am very encouraged as far as the direction we're heading."
One tough decision will be at starting running back -- whether to give Jesse Lumsden another opportunity or stick with Arkee Whitlock.
"There are a lot of tough decisions that we have," Hall said.
"To me it's no different than going into the season with free agency. Do we make that decision to go after Jesse? They're just different decisions each year or different challenges each year.
"We're going to sit down and look at each position group, look at each individual and (ask) how we can get better."
Whether that means recognizing a current player with the potential to improve or scouting new talent, one thing is certain: there won't likely be 22 new faces on the active roster this time next year.
Regardless of how much talent the Eskimos have to start the 2010 season, it will take veteran leadership to make it all come together.
Although Hall said he isn't exactly at a point where he's happy with the leadership he's seen this year, he is encouraged.
"I feel good about the leadership role on our football team," said the coach.
"I think with as many ups and downs that we experienced this year, if it wasn't for the leadership in that locker room I don't think we would have been able to finish or accomplish any of the things we accomplished this year.
"From an attitude perspective and from a morale perspective, they came to work. They weren't complainers, they weren't whiners and they worked hard. I think that's all you can ask from your football team."
GERRY.MODDEJONGE@SUNMEDIA.CA
