Best 22 – round one

B: Mark Baguley, Michael Hurley, Brent Stanton
HB: James Kelly, Patrick Ambrose, Martin Gleeson
C: Darcy Parish, Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard
HF: Travis Colyer, Cale Hooker, James Stewart
F: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Joe Daniher, Orazio Fantasia
Foll: Shaun McKernan, Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell
I/C: David Zaharakis, Josh Green, Andrew McGrath, Kyle Langford

Injury list

All eyes will be on Cale Hooker and whether he will be right to play in round one after battling a hamstring injury over pre-season. Jayden Laverde seems unlikely to be fit after injuring his ankle in the Bombers' final JLT Community Series clash against Geelong. Tom Bellchambers (knee) and Josh Green (foot) are also under injury clouds. Aaron Francis (ankle) will be eased into the season after limited preparation, while David Myers (finger) will miss at least the first month of the season. Jayden Laverde (ankle) has been ruled out until at least the mid-season bye.

The big questions

How will the returning Bombers fare?
The biggest question and the most difficult to answer. After missing 12 months of football due to a WADA suspension, can Dyson Heppell, Jobe Watson, Cale Hooker, Michael Hurley, Travis Colyer, Heath Hocking David Myers, Ben Howlett, Brent Stanton and Tom Bellchambers return to their best and help lead Essendon back to the finals?

Can No.1 pick Andy McGrath make an impact?
McGrath, Essendon's first ever No.1 draft selection, was solid across the JLT Community Series but is no certainty to be an automatic selection in his debut season. The dashing defender possesses great speed and has the ability to rack up plenty of touches across half-back and through the midfield. The Bombers will be patient with his development, but there will be inevitable comparisons to No.2 pick Tim Taranto (Greater Western Sydney) and No.3 pick Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane Lions)

How will Essendon's forward line function?
Scoring has been an issue for the Bombers for several years, not just in 2016 with their depleted list. But this year the club has assembled a cast of exciting, quick and dangerous small forwards who could create some troubles for rivals to complement Joe Daniher, Cale Hooker and James Stewart. Orazio Fantasia, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti Josh Green and Travis Colyer will all look to impact the scoreboard regularly.

Look for…

Darcy Parish to take a step up this season. The hard-running young Bomber averaged 20.8 disposals per game in 2016, but the return of the senior Bombers around him should give Parish more of a chance to do damage on the outside of the contest. Look for Parish and gun Bomber Zach Merrett to kick more goals from the midfield this season.

Who they play

It will be an emotional night for several Bombers when they return to the field against Hawthorn at the MCG next Saturday night. If they can build early season momentum, the Bombers could be 3-0 or 2-1 after their first three games, with matches against the Brisbane Lions and Carlton in rounds two and three. They play only one top-eight team (Adelaide) twice, which is a good result.

Fantasy cash cow

We could go with Andy McGrath, but Josh Begley [FWD, $190,000] could easily make just as much of an impact for the Bombers in 2017. Begley kicked 17 goals in his first three games for the Eastern Ranges last season and won the TAC Cup club's goalkicking award. His four goals against Gold Coast provided a snapshot of his scoring ability.

Sudden impact

As mentioned, McGrath is expected to push for senior selection and may play in round one. Former Giant James Stewart may also make his debut for his new club against the Hawks. Begley, who booted four goals against Gold Coast in a JLT Community Series game, is another youngster who could get his chance.

It's crunch time for…

Ben Howlett and Heath Hocking. The experienced pair were left out of the Bombers' side to face Geelong their final JLT tune-up. Returning from their 12-month suspensions, they are on the fringe of selection and, being out of contract, will need to produce to be retained.

Pressure rating on the coach

The pressure valve has lifted now that John Worsfold has a full squad at his disposal, but he will be given time to develop his team accordingly.

The Bombers will have a good year if …

The experienced Essendon players come back hungry for success and are able to stay healthy after a lengthy period out of the game.

They’re in trouble if …

Those experienced Bombers are hampered by injury and cannot find their feet after missing 12 months of footy.

Pass mark …

The Bombers are an unknown commodity heading into 2017, with some of their younger players and experienced players set to play with each other for the first time. How they develop chemistry and gel together will have a big standing on where they finish. The Bombers could make the finals, but then they could also finish in the bottom four.

AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish 

11th. Essendon is difficult to place because there are so many variables affecting their performance.

Player Ratings star

Zach Merrett, No.32. The star Bomber took the responsibility on his shoulders and delivered his best season to date.

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