Last year's seventh-placed finish saw the beginning of a new chapter for the Bombers, who were eager to put the infamous mass-doping scandal behind them. In a blighted section of Essendon's history, they were disqualified from the 2013 finals, had their coach James Hird suspended for a year and most significantly, had 12 of their senior players banned from taking part in the 2016 season. Unsurprisingly, the Bombers picked up the dreaded wooden spoon. 

However, two positives came out of these troubled times and manifested themselves last year. Firstly, Essendon's younger players are now battle-hardened and ruthless, after finding themselves on the end of several beltings in the troubled 2016 season. Secondly, the senior players who were suspended came back with fire in their bellies, desperate to make up for missing a full year in their footballing careers.

In 2017, Essendon ranked 2nd in the league for marks per game (104.3), as well as 3rd for goals scored per game (13.9) and disposal efficiency (74.2%). With a perfect blend of height and speed, the Bombers were devastating in attack, either pulling down the marks, or picking up the scraps and racing away into the open goal. There is nothing to suggest that the Bombers won't continue picking up from where they left off in 2018. 

Player to watch: The player that most typifies Essendon's rapid and exciting style is Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti. Lightning-fast, and constantly putting pressure on opposing defenders, he recorded the most tackles inside 50m for the Bombers (37). Also booting an impressive 1.5 goals per game, McDonald-Tipungwuti is a key attacking threat.

Key player: Joe Daniher bagged 65 goals last year, finishing 3rd in the race for the Coleman medal. At 23 years old, this was a serious achievement. Big, athletic and left-footed, he drew deserved comparisons to Lance Franklin. Look for him to spearhead the Bombers' attack once again.