Essendon 2023 AFL Preview & Predictions

<p>Essendon’s struggles in recent times have been well documented and unfortunately for their supporters last season was another miserable campaign to add to the scrapbook.</p> <p>On the 150th anniversary of the club expectations were high, with even talk of a deep finals run on the cards.</p> <p>Talk is as far as it got, before Essendon’s season spectacularly unravelled and they crashed to 15th on the ladder, winning only seven games all year.</p> <p>The ensuing fallout was so chaotic it made Collingwood look like a well-run football club.</p> <p>Now the dust has settled and with a new coach and CEO in place the Bombers will be hoping to start afresh in 2023.</p> <p>Can the most successful franchise in AFL history return to the winners circle? Or does another season of turmoil both on and off the field lay ahead for the once proud club?</p> <p>Read our comprehensive season preview for the hottest Essendon tips and predictions for the upcoming AFL season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Key Gains</h3> <h3>&nbsp;</h3> <p><strong><em>Alwyn Davey jnr (No.45 draft pick, father-son)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Jayden Davey (No.54 draft pick, father-son)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Lewis Hayes (No.25 draft pick)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Rhett Montgomerie (Rookie Draft)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Anthony Munkara (Category B rookie)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Will Setterfield (Carlton)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Elijah Tsatas (No.5 draft pick)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Sam Weideman (Melbourne Demons)&nbsp;</em></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This season seems as if it’s going to be a family affair for Essendon with the recruitment of twins Alwyn and Jayden Davey under the father-son rule.</p> <p>The Davey boys are the sons of former Bomber Alwyn Davey Snr who played 100 games for the club over a seven year period.</p> <p>Elsewhere inside midfielder Will Setterfield has joined from Carlton and is expected to slot straight into the starting side.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Key Losses</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em>Cody Brand (delisted)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Tom Cutler (delisted)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Josh Eyre (delisted)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Aaron Francis (Sydney Swans)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Brayden Ham (delisted)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Tom Hird (delisted)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Michael Hurley (retired)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Garrett McDonagh (delisted)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Devon Smith (retired)</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Alec Waterman (delisted)</em></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Former No.6 draft pick Aaron Francis has joined the Sydney Swans after failing to cement his position in Essendon’s best 22.</p> <p>In addition to Francis’ departure a host of players have been delisted by the club including Tom Hird, the son of club legend and former head coach and Brownlow winner James Hird.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Player To Watch</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em>Dylan Shiel</em></strong></p> <p>Experienced midfielder Dylan Shiel will once again be crucial to Essendon’s chances this season.</p> <p>The soon to be 30-year-old will be looking to build on the rich vein of form he found in the latter stages of last season when the Bombers new campaign gets underway.</p> <p>As one of the AFL’s top clearance players Shiel will have a pivotal role to play in Essendon's midfield.</p> <p>His influence on play, particularly from stoppages, will have to be on full display this season if Essendon are to dig themselves out of their current predicament.</p> <p>Shiels also sits precariously on 199 AFL games, meaning the Bombers’ season opener against Hawthorn will be his 200th first grade appearance.</p> <p>Rest assured both he and his team will want to celebrate his milestone match in style.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Essendon Season Prediction</h3> <h3>&nbsp;</h3> <p><strong><em>Predicted finish: 13th</em></strong></p> <p>With most of the controversy engulfing the club now firmly in the rear view mirror, Essendon will be hoping they can get down to the business of winning football games with minimal off-field interruptions.</p> <p>This is easier said than done however and after a seven win season, confidence will be at an all time low for the Dons.</p> <p>New head coach Brad Scott’s first task will be to focus his squad and ensure they get their season off to the best possible start.</p> <p>There are a number of players in the squad entering that sweet spot of 50-100 games of first grade experience that Scott will be calling upon to facilitate a significant jump up the ladder.</p> <p>It may be a season too soon for a jump big enough to play finals football, with some improvement expected, but not enough to soothe the wounds of the club’s long-suffering fan base.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Essendon’s Best 22</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>B:</strong> Mason Redman, Jordan Ridley, Jake Kelly</p> <p><strong>HB:</strong> Andrew McGrath, Jayden Laverde, Nick Hind</p> <p><strong>C:</strong> Nic Martin, Zach Merrett, Dylan Shiel</p> <p><strong>HF:</strong> Archie Perkins, Harrison Jones, Kyle Langford</p> <p><strong>F:</strong> Jye Caldwell, Peter Wright, Matt Guelfi</p> <p><strong>Foll:</strong> Sam Draper, Darcy Parish, Jake Stringer</p> <p><strong>I/C:</strong> Dyson Heppell, Sam Durham, Nik Cox, Will Setterfield</p>