Essendon Coach John Worsfold will be looking for faster, cleaner ball movement in 2017 to help the side kick bigger scores.

The Bombers added former Giants key position player James Stewart and ex Lions small forward Josh Green to its attacking mix during the off-season.

The pair are training alongside last season’s leading goal kicker Joe Daniher, Orazio Fantasia who booted 29 goals and Cale Hooker who showed promise in attack during the second half of 2016.

“We think we’ve got much more depth and options in that forward half and it’s certainly as area we have to improve on,” Worsfold said. 

“We’ve struggled to kick scores over the last few years.

“When I took over last year I didn’t really know who Essendon’s forward line was, other than Joe Daniher you wouldn’t have named a regular forward.

“But I think people are now starting to look at it and say I can see who the forwards are going to be. 

“Kick more goals … we’ve got to do that, we’ve got to move the ball well enough. 

“It’s ok having talent in there, (but) if you don’t get it in there quick – it plays into the opposition’s hands, so we want to move the ball a lot more cleanly through the midfield or from the back half to get it inside 50 quick." 

Worsfold is happy with how the squad is positioned nearing the Christmas break and said the training load will increase shortly after they return in January.

The Bombers Coach said the Club would be aiming to play finals in 2017, as would the other nine sides that missed out last season.

“We think we deserve as much recognition as one of the teams that want to challenge for the top eight,” he said. 

“I think it’s realistic that any one of those clubs can say if we play good enough footy, opportunities are going to be there.”