7,189 days and counting: Former Bomber tips massive finals hoodoo to finally end in 2024

Essendon’s finals drought is one that causes immense grief for Bombers fans as the search for their first finals win drags on into its 20th year.

The last time we saw the Bombers win a final was in September of 2004 against Melbourne and since then it’s been a series of disastrous results for the once powerhouse club.

Now we’re not going to list all of those finals’ losses in this article but rather provide a positive outlook on what the Bombers could provide their loyal fans in 2024.

The new-look Bombers under coach Brad Scott have had a strong start to the season with a refreshing brand of footy seeing them be competitive against some of the best teams in the competition.

They face one of their toughest tests this Saturday against GWS at Marvel Stadium and a win would see them move to third on the ladder with 26 points.

And if that’s the case, Adam Cooney believes the Bombers will break that finals hoodoo that’s now 7,189 days long.

“If Essendon win then we believe that the 20-year drought could be over,” Cooney told SEN’s The Run Home.

“If they beat the Giants, I think that will give them enough confidence, belief and growth in this group that what they’ve got at the moment can win a final.

“Winning a final is all Essendon supporters want this year, finish sixth and get a home final and I think they can win a final.

“I didn’t think that leading into the season I must admit, I thought they were a fair way off but they're being led magnificently by Zach Merrett and they’ve got some contributions for their recruits and that’s a big tick because that hasn’t always been the case with Essendon recruits.

“Forward of the footy they look dangerous and if they can hold up, I think they’ll win a final this year.”

Essendon's next string of games sees them play North Melbourne, Richmond, Gold Coast and Carlton, with the Bombers expected to be on the right side of the ledger for the vast majority of 2024.