Mark Neeld stopped by our Facebook page to answer your questions. Make sure you check back next Tuesday at 7pm to have a chat with CEO Xavier Campbell.
Q: If the aim is to fast track team chemistry, is the plan to get as many games into the permanent players (non-top up) as possible even if that means sacrificing on the scoreboard. – Rene
A: In 2016, with regards to selection, we will pick the fittest most in form team each week. At times, that may be a younger side, that's our list for 2016.
Q: Are essendon accounting for a lost season or are we going in like a normal season hoping and expecting to make the finals? – Jason
A: We are aware at certain times throughout the year that we we will be challenged by certain things, that's no different to any other Club. We are looking to improve every single player on the list this year and that's the real opportunity that we have. That's the aim of all the coaches and players.
Q: How does our unique situation in 2016 impact upon our plans to create our next premiership side? – Nick
A: The Club has a great opportunity in terms of our younger players. We also have an opportunity to instill in our playing group the game style that John wants to play and also the standards that are required off the field. All the things that we do this year will be geared towards building a premiership culture.
Q: How competitive can Essen don be this season.in regards to the fact that this a side still learning to play together - Jeffrey
A: We will be striving to be more than competitive in every game we play. So far across the NAB Challenge, we've played a mix of players and a mix of combinations. We're yet to settle on what our team will look like for round one, but our aim is to be as competitive as we can throughout the year.
Q: Your feelings on the rumour today that other clubs might rest their best players when playing the bombers this season? – Sean
A: That has no impact on any role that any coach or player will be doing at Essendon
Q: How does the uncertainty of not knowing which of the 12 will return in 2017 impact our future planning? – Nick
A: At this stage the Club, through Adrian Dodoro, are working extremely hard to have all 12 players play with us next season. That's in our plan and that's what we're going full steam ahead with to make happen.
Q: G'day mate - How many games do you see Parish playing this year, and where does Langford fit on the deck - back middle forward? – Rene
A: Parish has had a very solid pre-season for the Club and he has put himself in the position where he will be considered for selection at a number of times throughout. We need to remember that it's his first year and we still need to manage his body.
Langford is one of those modern day footballers that can play in any of those three positions. In the NAB Challenge he spent time in the forward line and midfield, and we expect that this will carry on into the season.
Q: Having spent years at Melbourne where they weren't overly competitive do you think your experience there will help us this year for our predicament ? – Shaun
A: The coaching group at Essendon is a very experienced one lead by an extremely experienced John Worsfold. We all bring a wealth of different experiences to the Club and throughout the year we will all be drawing on those.
Q: Who is the best Mark at the club? - Andrew
A: Do you have to ask.
