He was developed in defence, showed promise in the midfield and excelled in attack throughout 2016.

But if the early stages of the pre-season are anything to go by, Orazio Fantasia’s regular home appears to be in the forward half, at least for now.

The 21 year old booted 29 goals last season – the highest return from an Essendon small forward since Alwyn Davey in 2012.

But Fantasia also impressed in the midfield where he averaged 25 possessions throughout his first four matches of the season.

For now though Fantasia is spending most of his time training with the forward group.

“We’re just trying to get that chemistry, obviously we haven’t played a whole lot of footy together, so it’ll be interesting to see how we go,” Fantasia said.

It could be a new look attacking line-up for the Bombers in 2017. 

Cale Hooker could partner Joe Daniher as the main marking options while the potential of having a fleet footed combination including any, or all of, Fantasia, Travis Colyer, Josh Green and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti would test opposition defences.

The Bombers will continue to train next week before taking a break over the Christmas and New Year period.

Fantasia, who spent time in the US preparing for the summer training schedule, said the feeling among the group is positive heading into 2017.  

“It’s probably the biggest pre-season I’ve been a part of in my four years at the footy club,” he said.

“It’s the intensity that we’ve worked on and lifted.

“Obviously having the boys back has been really exciting and the enthusiasm within the playing group is awesome.”