AFL Preview for 2024: Essendon Bombers

Tullamarine has experienced some excitement due to a busy off-season.

While there was much to be happy about at Bomberland in 2023, the conclusion of Brad Scott’s first season may have disappointed the majority of Essendon supporters.

Before a late-season fadeout put the Bombers in 11th place and with a losing record, they were right in the hunt for the championship. Though they may not have been anticipated to contend for a top-eight position, the Dons’ previous season yielded a lot of promising outcomes.

With a busy off-season spent recruiting and adding more experience to their youthful core, 2024 might be the year the Bombers end their unwelcome losing streak in the finals.

2024 projections
This year, Essendon hopes to return to September and, ideally, go one step further by winning, thereby putting an end to their 20-year losing streak.

In addition to youthful talent like Nic Martin, Archie Perkins, and Nate Caddy who will have an impact this year and in the years to come, the arrival of free agents Ben McKay and Jade Gresham should help them achieve this goal.

After their Round 1 match against rivals Hawthorn, Essendon will play host to three 2023 finals, so a successful start to the season will draw a lot of attention.

Leading Man: Zach Merrett
As a reliable component in Brad Scott’s midfield group, the Essendon captain excelled in his debut year as captain, winning his fourth best and fairest medal.

Merrett’s versatility in midfield gives his team an advantage at the coalface by complementing the hard-fought labor of Darcy Parish and Nic Martin’s wing contribution. In 2024, the Bombers are expected to contend for a spot in the top eight, and Merrett will play a key role in leading his team to September.