MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Recruit Devon Smith runs with the ball during an Essendon Bombers AFL training session at the Essendon Bombers Football Club on November 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

New faces: The most active team in the trade period, the Bombers added three new faces from rival clubs, Jake Stringer, Adam Saad and Devon Smith. With all three additions likely to slot straight into their best 22, the fight for places in the preseason will be intense.

Draft night was far less exciting for them, however, with their first pick coming well into the third round. Houlahan looks to be a good value pick up, but none of their trio of draftees are likely to push for senior selection yet.

On the fringe: Shaun McKernan only managed three senior games in 2017 but ran out the year as the senior emergency. With the Bombers not lacking in key forward talent, McKernan will have to wait for injury to get his chance, save for exceptional form in the twos. Veteran David Myers should feature as injury cover, along with Kyle Langford and Ben McNiece.

First picked: Joe Daniher

Last picked: Jayden Laverde

Best 22

B: Mark Baguley, Michael Hurley, Adam Saad
HB:
 Brendon Goddard, Michael Hartley, Conor McKenna
C: Andrew McGrath, Dyson Heppell, David Zaharakis
HF: Devon Smith, Joe Daniher, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
F: Orazio Fantasia, Cale Hooker, Jake Stringer
FOL: Tom Bellchambers, Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish
I/C: Martin Gleeson, James Stewart, Patrick Ambrose, Jayden Laverde