4. Defining Period

The fate of the Essendon season will likely be decided by the bye, as rounds 6-10 loom as a massive factor for the 16-time premiers. They face sides that will likely surround them on the ladder and it kicks-off with two big games against rivals Collingwood and Carlton.

Martin Gleeson of the Bombers is tackled during the round 23 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 27, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

They then have to travel to GIANTS Stadium in a tricky clash before they return to host Fremantle at Etihad Stadium, where the Dockers very nearly knocked off the Bombers on the same ground last year.

The Bombers could see their season set up for big things or fall to tatters in this crucial run of games.