It will be a much more consistent Essendon in 2020.
That is the message coming from emerging youngster Andrew McGrath who says a focus on team defence will bring with it added dependability.
The Bombers made finals in 2019 having mixed their form with commanding wins thrown in with humiliating losses and everything in between.
With Blake Caracella now back at the club and next-in-line Ben Rutten having more of a say alongside coach John Worsfold, what can we expect from the Bombers in 2020?
“You’ll see a lot more consistent football from us,” McGrath said on SEN Breakfast from the club’s pre-season training camp in Coffs Harbour.
“Our brand will stand up a little bit better and more consistently. At the moment we are big on improving every day and working on our system and team defence.
“We’ve really made a lot of inroads in that area. Hopefully you’ll see a much more consistent brand of Essendon football.”
Part of that consistency will undoubtedly come from having a full assembly of players to choose from.
The Dons had a growing injury list late last year which included key figures Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, David Zaharakis, Joe Daniher, Michael Hurley and Orazio Fantasia but everything is on the mend, according to McGrath.
“Everyone has well and truly improved since pre-Christmas,” he added.
“There’s a lot more on the training track than we had previously. I think everyone is travelling in the right direction and making big inroads in their recovery.
“There’s a lot of boys we didn’t see much of before Christmas out on the track now and doing really well. Everyone is up here (at the camp).”
McGrath also pinpointed a pair of young players who he feels will put their best foot forward this year.
“Dylan Clarke is looking really good,” he said further.
“He played a few games last year and really showed what he can do. I hope he has a more significant role this year. He’s training the house down at the moment.
“Young Harry Jones, who we drafted, is looking really promising. I’m not sure whether it will be this year but he looks like a player for the future.”
Essendon kick off their Marsh Community series against the Eagles in (Lathlain) Perth on February 27 before taking on Geelong in Colac on March 9.
Listen to McGrath on SEN Breakfast below: