The past decade has been characterised by hope and heartbreak for Essendon.
The drug scandal meant Bomber teams of the early part of the decade never reached their full potential and the club was forced into a brief period of irrelevance in 2016.
The post-saga world for the Bombers has been filled with inconsistency and false hope, currently holding the longest winless finals record in the competition.
Throughout this turmoil, there have been 10 standouts that have stood the test of time.
Here are Essendon's top 10 players of the decade:ย
Brendon Goddard
While many may recognise Goddard as a St Kilda champion rather than a Bomber, the former number one pick spent some vintage years at Essendon.
Goddard is a club best and fairest winner and was captain of the Dons during the infamous 2016 season. An elite kick off the half back flank or in midfield, Goddard joined Essendon as a free agent in 2013 before the drug scandal broke.
Goddard immediately stepped up at his new club, speaking on behalf of teams to a rampant media pack when others where often unable to do so.
While playing less as a swingman up forward with the Bombers than he did as a Saint, Goddard averaged 26 disposals a game during his Crichton medal winning season and continued to bring an often lacking poise to the Bombers right up until his final game in 2018.
A big game player, Goddard may well be first remembered for his mark during the later stages of the first Grand Final in 2010, however his contribution and leadership at the Bombers will never be forgotten.
