HOW FAR can the Bombers fly up in 2018?
On the back of last year's return to the finals, 32 per cent of Essendon fans predict their side will secure the double chance by finishing in the top four this season.
Giving their take on their side's 2018 prospects in AFL.com.au's pre-season fan survey, only one per cent of Bomber fans tipped their team to slide out of the eight.
Those rising expectations are bolstered by a recruiting plunge in last year's NAB AFL Trade Period.
Bulldogs premiership star Jake Stringer is the most hotly anticipated new arrival, while Giant Devon Smith will add to Essendon's forward options.
Gold Coast Sun Adam Saad fortifies the backline, an area most Bomber fans identify as their biggest concern this season.
Here are the pre-season survey results, plus a selection of Essendon fans' responses.
What's the Bombers' weakest spot on the park?
The backline. Although bolstered by Saad, there is a shortage of consistent big-name players.
- Jaike Altieri, Canberra ACT
The backline needs to be much tighter to support our rapid speed in attack. We conceded too many points last season.
- Joe Durling, Eastbourne, East Sussex UK
Ruck. Both Tom Bellchambers and Matthew Leuenberger are solid but not elite.
- Michael Palmer, Hobart Tas
It'll be a great year if ...
... we win a final. Even better if it is at the mighty MCG. Even better still if it is against a rival such as Richmond or Hawthorn. But not getting ahead of myself, the opponent doesn't matter. Just win a final. Maybe two.
- Felix McLeod, Dubai UAE
... Joey and Hooksy kick 150 goals between them, which is realistic if they both learn to kick straighter at goal. If Stringer can have an impact like he showed in the intraclub game and play mostly midfield, he will give us two All Australian midfielders this year along with Zach Merrett. Heppell also needs to return to his pre-ban form. He was not the same player in 2017.
- Wes Dlugosz, Maiden Gully Vic
... The new recruits can gel with the current team, and the youngsters keep naturally progressing. If Stringer and Smith can add some firepower out of the middle like they are promising, and Joey keeps building, there's hope.
- Benjamin Thomas, Surrey Hills Vic
What's your dream headline in 2018?
'Woosha - my second premiership as coach tops the first'
- Adam Malley, Mandurah WA
'From wooden spooners to Premiers in two years'
- Joshua Katajala, Altona Meadows Vic
'Baby Bombers repeat history 25 years on'
- Stacey Lindsay, Geelong Vic
'Joe Daniher wins Coleman Medal'
- Adam Wild, Bendigo Vic
What's the headline you secretly dread?
'Stringer dropped for disciplinary reasons'
- Wayne Otway, Perth WA
'Dons miss finals, lack of grunt exposed'
- Craig Wegener, Karawaci Indonesia
'Dons drug scandal returns'
- Dion Shtig, Caulfield Vic
'Collingwood make the eight'
- Greg Keevers, Brisbane Qld
Read more fans' season previews
• Adelaide: Bryce is nice, but backline the worry
• Brisbane: 50 goals for Eric and no spoon, please
• Collingwood: From 13th to a premiership?
