Essendon will look to reap the benefits of a trying 2025 campaign that forced the club to debut a record 15 players, with the new season hopefully giving Bombers fans a glimpse of what a full fit list might look like.
While a large contingent of senior players will be back for Round 1, Nic Martin won't feature this year due to an ACL setback, however the timing of his year-ending diagnosis gives Brad Scott a significant window to plan without the outside ball winner.
Minor list changes via the trade period and a busy draft window have given Essendon a profile that will have some believing they can contend for a Wildcard spot at the very least.
A new ruckman will take their chance, while the Dons will be keen to uncover the right key forward mix after several seasons of change.
With all of that in mind, let's take a look at what Essendon's best 23 might look like...
Midfielders
The Bombers bat deep in midfield, even though they parted ways with a handful of inside ball winners over the off-season.
That did become an issue at times in 2025, seeing captain Zach Merrett moved to half-back at one stage given the lack of versatility to other contest-heavy players.
Brad Scott will look to strike the right balance with the names he's got at his disposal, with Merrett joined by top-line inside midfielders Sam Durham, Darcy Parish and Jye Caldwell.
Will Setterfield has received a career lifeline after initially being delisted, signalling he'll have some work to do to win back a spot, with first-round draft pick Dyson Sharp another inside option who will come into consideration and add to the selection competition.
The Dons also have Elijah Tsatas, Archie Perkins and Jade Gresham to consider for midfield spots, with the latter two also capable of slotting in at half-forward.
The wings look fairly settled, with Xavier Duursma and new recruit Brayden Fiorini the leading choices, with forwards Harrison Jones, Nik Cox and Kyle Langford others who could add an edge to that role with some height.
The ruck battle will be fascinating, with Sam Draper's departure opening the door for a new No.1. That title looks set to go to Nick Bryan, however he'll miss the start of the season as he recovers from an ACL injury.
Young tall Vigo Visentini might start in the ruck role come Round 1, likely gaining support from Peter Wright and/or Lachie Blakiston.
