AFL Media reporter Cal Twomey has selected what he thinks is Essendon’s best 22 for 2019.

BEST 22

B: Conor McKenna, Michael Hurley, Marty Gleeson
HB: Aaron Francis, Cale Hooker, Adam Saad
C: David Zaharakis, Dyson Heppell, Andrew McGrath
HF: Orazio Fantasia, Shaun McKernan, Devon Smith
F: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Joe Daniher, Jake Stringer
FOLL: Tom Bellchambers, Zach Merrett, Dylan Shiel
I/C: Darcy Parish, Kyle Langford, Patrick Ambrose, David Myers

The addition of Dylan Shiel to Essendon's midfield makes the Bombers look a far more formidable line-up. Marty Gleeson should reclaim his spot in the back half after missing all of last season through injury, while Aaron Francis is expected to fill the role vacated by veteran Brendon Goddard at the end of 2018. If Joe Daniher can get back to full fitness after his groin struggles of this season it makes the Bombers' forward half look extremely dangerous, although that second key forward position could be up for grabs between Shaun McKernan, James Stewart and Mitch Brown.