Essendon have had one of their most successful off seasons in recent memory and the successes of both Richmond and the Western Bulldogs provides them with an "anything is possible" approach heading into the 2018 season. 

Speaking at the club's annual general meeting on Monday night, club chairman Lindsay Tanner said there would be no solid expectations placed on the group next season. 

"The Western Bulldogs and Richmond are proof that anything is possible if you are prepared to do the work, lift your standards, forge strong alignment and drive even greater accountability across your entire club," Tanner said from the club's annual general meeting on Monday.  

"We must challenge ourselves to find this improvement if we want to achieve our vision of being the most inclusive, successful and respected sporting organisation in Australia.

"The hard work has only just started, but as a club, we have never been more unified or as strong to rise to the challenge that awaits us."

Despite a return to the finals in 2017, Essendon holds the unwanted title of the longest active drought without a finals win of any team in the competition and with the additions to their squad through the draft and trade periods, the club will be determined to break that drought in 2018. 

"As we have seen in recent years, the competition is full of opportunity, and we need to challenge ourselves to find improvement to match it with the best in the competition. And, most importantly, in finals football when it matters most," he said.

A number of players involved in the club's drug scandal were inducted as life members of the club last night with Paddy Ryder, Angus Monfries and Heath Hocking among the group. 

Tom Bellchambers, David Myers, David Zaharakis and Cale Hooker rounded out the seven past and present players to receive the honour. 

"Very humbled to be standing up here," Bellchambers said after being presented on the night. 

"To all the supporters thank you, we can't wait to see what the future holds," Myers added. 

The club also welcomed Sell Wellman and Melissa Green to the board on Monday night.