3. Off-season Grade

C-

Hard to get too excited by the off-season of the Bombers, as a side that missed finals would usually look to add talent to take the next step, but the Bombers instead saw talent walk right out the door.

Adam Saad departed arch-rivals Carlton and did so in an abrupt nature which saw a messy divorce. Joe Daniher left 12 months after first requesting a trade and the Bombers were unable to convince the tall-forward to stay. Orazio Fantasia also departed and when Conor McKenna announced he was heading back to Ireland, the Bombers' dashing run off half back was a thing of the past.

Jye Caldwell was a good get from the Giants but Peter Wright and Nick Hind aren't exactly recruits that will lead Essendon to their first finals win in over 6000 days.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 29: Jye Caldwell of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal during the 2020 AFL Marsh Community Series match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at Blacktown International Sportspark on February 29, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Securing three top 10 picks in the draft was a good move but signs the club may need to go back to go forward.