It's no secret that the Bombers have been abysmal this season.
They've been consistently underwhelming for the best part of 15 years, and it's hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel.
With John Worsfold all but out the door, it's up to assistant coach Ben Rutten to clean up the mess left behind.
Tim Watson names John Worsfold's greatest failure as a coach โ pic.twitter.com/DPyfOvDw9J
— Garry and Tim (@SENBreakfast) September 7, 2020
So how will the ex-Crow steady the ship? Here are five things that Ben Rutten has to do to begin the long rebuild.
1. Nail down Daniher
It's a no-brainer really - the Bombers need to secure the 26-year-old.
The big question is however not what the Bombers want, but what Joe wants.
Considering he had his bags packed for Sydney during the off-season, it would appear that he's looking for other options.
Speaking on The Footy Show on Sunday, Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd was convinced that if the Bombers weren't willing to offer Daniher a three-year-deal, then another club definitely would.
Lloyd floated the possibility of Brisbane, Geelong or even Collingwood being a destination for the tall forward.
"I don't think Essendon would be willing to give him three years, but I think someone will."@matthewlloyd18 and the Sunday Footy Show team discuss Joe Daniher's value at season's end.#9AFLSFS | Watch @channel9 pic.twitter.com/HkJoJzu5kx
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) September 13, 2020
But the reality is that Essendon need Joe more than he needs them, which means they will have to fight tooth and nail to keep him.
Rutten would make a huge statement by being able to retain Daniher with a bumper contract, and would make him immediately popular amongst the Bombers faithful.
Despite his injury-proneness, when Joe is firing on all cylinders, he is unstoppable.
And the Bombers will need all the star-power they can muster if they're to improve at all in the near future.
