Another crucial campaign for Essendon awaits, with the proud Victorian club hoping to break back into the finals mix and hopefully end an unwanted winless drought come September.
After years of aggressive off-season planning, the Bombers had a quieter player movement period following the 2024 season as priorities were placed on draft acquisitions and the development of their incumbents.
The list at Brad Scott's disposal suggests players across every line should be in line for improved seasons in 2025, with the club home to a number of names set to reach the peak of their powers and lacking veterans past their prime.
Ahead of the new season, we've assessed Essendon's 2025 squad and selected a best 23-man side - breaking down their depth charts on all three lines of the field.
Our Best 23 for 2025 series will include players unavailable for the start of the season, only excluding players who are expected to miss most/all of the season through injury/suspension.
3. Forwards
Pressure will be on Essendon's tall forwards to perform early into the new campaign as a quartet of key position players look to price their value.
Spearhead Kyle Langford remains the key contributor in attack after claiming his second successive club goalkicking title in 2024.
The only other player to boot 20 or more goals last year was Jake Stringer, who has departed for GWS - creating a large vacancy in Brad Scott's attack.
Tall Peter Wright has struggled to replicate his 2022 form and will want to put his best foot forward quickly, with athletic forward Harrison Jones and second-year target Nate Caddy both pushing for spots.
Two of those three should be starting come Opening Round, with Caddy potentially surpassing Jones after the latter's disappointing 2024 campaign.
Archie Perkins could fill the void of Stringer, while fellow midfield options Xavier Duursma, Nic Martin, Ben Hobbs and Jade Gresham should also prominently feature in the front half, with Gresham likely spending most of his time at half-forward.
The small forward spots are also of interest, with top draft selection Isaac Kako a chance to be a mainstay from the club's season opener.
The Bombers have struggled to find an impactful goalsneak since Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, as Matt Guelfi has battled injury issues and Jye Menzie faced form struggles.
Guelfi, when fit, should be in Scott's best side, with his efforts on the defensive end a nice balance given Kako's attacking firepower.
Fringe forward Alwyn Davey will look to break back into the senior side and hold a role, with draftees Kayle Gerreyn and Archer Day-Wicks others who could earn promotions in 2025.
