David Zaharakis says Essendon are desperate to break their finals drought this season.
The Bombers are expected to challenge for a top eight spot following their strong end to 2018 along with the addition of prized recruit Dylan Shiel.
Having not won a final in his 187-game career, 28-year-old Zaharakis believes the club are well placed to feature in September this time around.
“The fans expect a lot from us. We’re a traditional club that’s had a lot of success and we understand that and embrace that, Zaharakis told SEN's Time On.
“I’ve been at the club for 11 years now and only played in a couple of finals and haven’t won one, so we’re dying for success.
“Whatever that looks like this year we’ll have to wait and see. The list is in a great spot and the culture that we have built is pretty special and the group is a very close one.
“Hopefully we can build on that this year and get the fruits of what we have done over the last couple of years and have some success.”
Essendon’s most recent finals win was against Melbourne in 2004.
Josh Worsfold’s side open their 2019 campaign against GWS at Spotless Stadium on March 24.