The Bombers will be hoping to mirror their draft successes of yesteryear as they continue to build on their youthful squad and hopefully go one step further in 2022.
Unlike their 2020 haul however, Essendon's list management cohort won't hold three top 10 selections at Wednesday's count, placing their first selection of Pick 11 as a focal point of their planning.
Whether the Bombers can land another ready-made name remains to be seen, but a deep class of highly-touted teenagers on offer is set to see a prized prospect head to Tullamarine for next season.
Draft hand
Picks: 11, 51, 56, 87
Draft Points: 1782
The Bombers hold just one selection in the opening 50 places on the draft board after moving on their second-round selection to Greater Western Sydney last year.
Their current hand has their focus heavily skewed to Pick 11, which will likely fall back a further two selections following father-son priorities in the opening handful of picks.
With a dozen prospects seen as the leading echelon in this year's class, the Bombers will be hopeful one or two names may slide into the latter half of the first round and be there for the taking at 13th overall.
Whether they look toward the best available player on offer or what their list needs warrant, the Bombers won't be short on options.
With their latter three selections likely to increase their place in the queue following matched priority bids, Essendon's back-end picks could fall far enough to snare a sliding young star.
List needs
Small forward:
Ben Rutten has been piecing together a lethal attacking ensemble across the course of the past 12 months, with some speed and pressure perhaps the next step in building to an envious forward structure.
With Peter Wright enjoying a career-best campaign, Harrison Jones showing promise in the air and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti adding 34 majors from his 20 games, there is plenty to look forward to for the years to come.
Add in Jake Stringer's unparalleled presence and there's plenty to threaten an opposition defence, but extra movement at the feet of Essendon's spearheads is seen as an identified area to bolster.
Midfield width:
The Bombers' engine room was roaring in 2021, with Darcy Parish emerging as a top talent in the competition while Zach Merret claimed another Crichton Medal to add to his list of accolades.
Andrew McGrath will be looking to rise back up the pecking order next year, while Dylan Shiel and Kyle Langford will add further depth to Rutten's midfield ranks.
While Nik Cox also continues to blossom into a versatile talent capable of playing all three lines, a full-time wingman that can also participate at centre clearances may be the next need on the Bombers' list in creating a premiership contending side.
Extra speed and more reliance on disposal use in attack could be the catalyst in having Essendon taste September success.
Key Forward:
The Bombers may look to match their heightening attack by further adding key-position stocks to their arsenal.
While the Bombers are likely to prepare a lucrative move for Suns star Ben King, they will need to culminate a 'Plan B' should the promising tall forward be out of reach in 12 months time.
Likely using one of their later selections or trading back into the draft after their opening pick, the Bombers may look to fill a void when Wright is called into ruck duties and a hole opens in their front third.
Ideal Recruits
Arlo Draper:
A threatening forward/midfield asset for South Adelaide this season, Draper has gained plenty of plaudits for his ability to link up in his side's attack and impact the scoreboard.
Draper boasts a stellar ability in the air and at ground level, offering speed, agility and strength to emerge as one of South Australia's best prospects.
Likened to Port Adelaide's Connor Rozee, Draper would be an exciting talent to add to the Bombers' forward line that can also move into the midfield.
Judson Clarke:
While Clarke is unlikely to warrant the Bombers' first selection, the Dandenong Stingrays star is among the best small forward prospects on offer in his class.
A player that will bring speed, pressure and a great eye for goal, the NAB League Team of the Year member would slot into the Bombers' system with some ease.
Whether Essendon look to get creative in strengthening their chances to land Clarke or hope to secure his services should he slide, the talented teenager will be one name Bombers fans will want to keep their eye on.
Anthony Caminiti:
Standing at 196cm tall, Caminiti would offer an extra spear to Essendon's strikeforce of forwards with his highly-rated marking ability a key attribute for the Northern Knights tall.
Able to cover plenty of ground and can impact the marking contest of this side's benefit, Caminiti could be the extra option moving forward Essendon are after.
A player that would offer a high ceiling while not demanding an early selection at the draft, Caminiti's limited exposure this year could see a club like the Bombers reap the rewards of attaining a bargain on the second night of the draft.
