Essendon has its sights firmly set on winning its first finals game since 2004 according to club CEO Xavier Campbell, who spoke with afl.com.au.
The club has come under scrutiny in recent years in the wake of the drugs scandal and the resulting penalties handed down by ASADA, but all that is in the past now, according to Campbell.
"There have been a range of distractions over the years but now we're at a point, and I know (coach) John (Worsfold) has spoken about this before, that we can see the steps that we're taking now,” Campbell told afl.com.au.
"We don't have the distractions. Our peripheral vision isn't clouded anymore and that's exciting."
Among the excitement is the recruitment of Dylan Shiel, who Campbell believes will go a long way to helping the club get back to the finals.
"Our list build was slightly interrupted four or five years ago but (list manager) Adrian (Dodoro) and John have spoken to this, our need to build robustness in our midfield was a clear priority and we've been able to achieve that with adding Dylan to the side," Campbell said.
"I feel (the same as) Adrian and John that we've got a list where we can really compete."
Essendon’s opening game is away against Shiel’s former side, GWS on March 24.
