Former Richmond coach Danny Frawley is buying stock in Essendon for 2019, expressing his belief they could easily work their way into the top four after missing finals this year.
The Dons come off a close 16-point loss to Collingwood and look increasingly likely to miss finals, sitting 12th on the ladder and two wins outside the eight.
Frawley believes with the list they're building and the brand of football they have put on display this season, fans should be optimistic for 2019 where they could potentially rocket up the ladder.
“I think the fact that Joe Daniher is not out there, probably their best player other than Zach Merrett, it’s hard when you lose that,” said Frawley on SEN Breakfast.
“It’s about growth for the future.
“McKernan has put back to back really solid games in,” he added.
“If he can maintain the form throughout the rest of the year, he could be a really good foil for Joe coming back.
“Devon Smith’s probably going to win their (Best and Fairest).
“McGrath’s building as well.
“It’s going to be a disappointing year if they don’t make it (finals), but look out next year.
“They’re building, they’ve still got Hurley, hooker, they need to play finals.
“They could quite easily miss it (finals) this year and go straight to the top four next year.
“If they were a stock right now, I reckon they’re a much needed buy.”