What's in their favour? A new coach usually equals a re-energised playing list and Matthew Knights has had Windy Hill buzzing over the pre-season with fresh ideas and a game plan. A sizeable group of youngsters denied opportunities previously are champing at the bit to prove their worth. The Bombers have worked hard all summer on their previously shonky skills and their ability to run and carry out of defence. And Matthew Lloyd, Scott Lucas, Dustin Fletcher and Mal Michael still represent a formidable spine.

What's not? The retirement of James Hird leaves a massive vacuum in terms of both talent and leadership. He won last year's best and fairest, and two placegetters in Dustin Fletcher and Lucas are 32 and 30 respectively. Skipper Lloyd had pre-season hamstring niggles which will cause some anxiety. Essendon's new-look midfield will be willing enough, but is pretty light on for experience.

Stepping into the spotlight? Could be a big year for several Bomber youngsters. Courtenay Dempsey, Leroy Jetta and Andrew Lovett have all had big pre-seasons, the former pair showing signs of real improvement in the NAB Cup. Ricky Dyson has been handed more midfield responsibility by Knights, as has Angus Monfries, while Jay Nash is beginning to look like a long-term proposition as a running defender.

In their wildest dreams? An injection of youth and pace into the engine room improves the Bombers' midfield stocks dramatically and Knights' plan to create more run and carry from defence takes off. The Dons sneak under some unsuspecting guards early on, create some momentum and, with confidence rising, sneak a spot in the lower reaches of the eight.

The reality? A transitional year for a new-look team and, after the Kevin Sheedy era, new-look club. Essendon could surprise plenty, but need the old hands to fire and stay injury free, while the inconsistency of youth will see them learn plenty of hard lessons, too.

ROBERT WALLS 15th Expect the Bombers to start well under the new coach, but run out of legs by mid-season. It will be a year in which youth will be given every opportunity, a year in which a new era will begin.

ROHAN CONNOLLY 8th The new-look Bombers could surprise plenty this season with their across-the-ground pace and run from half-back. The spine of Michael, Fletcher, Lucas and Lloyd is strong, up-and-comers like Dyson, Jetta and Dempsey are ready, and the kids are willing.