Essendon VFL Coach Matthew Egan will be looking for the side’s regulars to take the next step in their careers this season. 

The Bombers are coming off a Preliminary Final appearance in 2015, but will enter this year’s campaign without some of last season’s key players. 

Captain Marcus Marigliani and former AFL Bomber Kyle Hardingham won’t be a part of this year’s line up, while James Polkinghorne was elevated to the senior list last month.

“We haven’t been able to replace those guys in terms of their experience but what it means is the guys that have now been here for a few years have to step up and develop into important players,” Egan said. 

Egan identified Jack Langford, Ben McNiece, James Ferry and Jordan Schroder as players he would be looking for to step up. 

“Those guys have had consistent seasons now.  Hopefully they can take their game to the next level,” Egan said. 

“We’re still working through the list at the moment.

“It has been really enjoyable, the boys come three times a week and have a real crack. 

“It’s a really young group, which is really exciting because you get to see them improve and develop.”

Egan takes the VFL reins after joining Essendon at the end of 2011.

He’s overseen the forwards and backline groups for the AFL side and filled the senior coaching role for the final three games last season.

This year he will combine his role as the Head of Player Development with his VFL responsibilities.

“I’ve loved it – it’s been great for my development,” Egan said.

“Obviously coaching a few games at the end of last year was really good for my experience. 

“I’ve learnt a lot already – just in developing a program and working with the three development coaches (Paul Corrigan, Mark Corrigan, Dan Jordan) on how we’re going to play.”

The Bombers open their VFL season at Windy Hill against Werribee on Saturday April 9^th.