2013 LADDER FINISH: Ninth

ARRIVALS: Patrick Ambrose, Kurt Aylett, Paul Chapman, Shaun Edwards, Orazio Fantasia, Zach Merrett, Johnny Rayner, Fraser Thurlow

BEST 22
FB: Dustin Fletcher, Michael Hurley, Mark Baguley
HB: Michael Hibberd, Cale Hooker, Courtenay Dempsey
C: David Zaharakis, Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell
HF: Paul Chapman, Jake Carlisle, Jake Melksham
FF: Jason Winderlich, Joe Daniher, Nick Kommer
Fol: Patrick Ryder, Brent Stanton, Brendon Goddard
Int: David Myers, Jackson Merrett, Tom Bellchambers
Sub: Ben Howlett

MEDICAL ROOM 
Tom Bellchambers (ankle) 6-8 weeks
Alex Browne (knee) season
Michael Hibberd (hamstring) 3 weeks
Nick Kommer (knee) TBC
Jason Winderlich (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Check out the AFL's injury list

PASS MARK FOR 2014: Given the talent on Essendon's list and its stage of development, the Bombers need to make the finals and win one. That should be the aim, because they have not won a final since 2004, a poor result for any club. And to get to the ultimate goal – a premiership –they need to gradually build up finals experience.

NEEDS A BIG YEAR: Michael Hurley has moved to defence, where he looks and feels more comfortable, and heads into the year fit and ready. With some continuity and injury luck Hurley will be hoping for a career-best season.

FIRST FIVE GAMES: North Melbourne (Etihad Stadium), Hawthorn (Etihad Stadium), Carlton (MCG), Fremantle (Patersons Stadium), St Kilda (Etihad Stadium).

Click here to see Essendon's entire 2014 fixture

PLAY TWICE: Sydney Swans, Carlton, Collingwood, Richmond, Western Bulldogs

TOUGHEST RUN: It's a pretty tough start to the year for the Bombers, with only one of their first six games considered a likely win (St Kilda in round five). North Melbourne, the Hawks, Carlton, Fremantle and Collingwood all present big challenges for the Bombers in a difficult opening.

DREAM SCENARIO: Joe Daniher becomes Essendon's main man up forward and holds down the role with aplomb. He kicks 50 goals, guides the Bombers back into the finals and wins the NAB AFL Rising Star, cementing himself as one of the most exciting young players in the competition.

WORST NIGHTMARE: The cloud of doubt and uncertainty surrounding ASADA's investigation into the Bombers hangs around for another season, disrupting another finals tilt.

PRESSURE RATING ON THE COACH: 3/10 Mark Thompson will be determined to do well in 2014, and the Bombers believe they have a good list on their hands. But if things go wrong, there isn't much to lose for the dual premiership coach. He'll hand back the reigns to James Hird at the end of the year.