Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has clarified comments he made about the Bombers list.
On 3AW on Friday night, Lloyd said Essendon could be in for a tough five years because of the draft penalties suffered in 2013.
But Lloyd stated today, that doesn’t mean the club will be spending time at the bottom of the ladder.
"What I mean is that sanctions as significant as the ones handed down to the Bombers in 2013 have the potential to affect the list management for a large period of time," Lloyd said.
"More than ever the clubs recruiting and list management staff will need to work overtime to recruit really good talent.
"It's a challenge but also an opportunity."
Lloyd is confident the Bombers already have the makings of a strong side.
“The Essendon list is pretty solid,” he said.
“The Bombers have a great spine with Hurley and Hooker playing the best football of their career.
“Daniher has a great attitude and Jake Carlisle is still learning but is committed to becoming a great forward.”
Despite the off-field distractions over the last two and a half seasons, the Bombers managed to qualify for the finals in both 2013 and 2014.
But the 2000 Premiership full forward knows the leap from the first week of the finals to reaching a preliminary final is significant.
“To go from a finalist to a top four side is a big step and you need things going your way,” he said.
“The WADA appeal and injuries to key players haven’t made things easier for the Bombers this season.”
Strong on-ballers David Myers and Heath Hocking have played just three minutes between them this season.
David Zaharakis has also missed a significant portion of the season.
But all three along with Jason Winderlich who is playing his second game in the VFL today, are on track for a return in the coming weeks.
Their absence though has provided a silver lining with some young players impressing last week, while off the field the club continues to deliver record commercial revenues.
“After a few years in the system Elliott Kavanagh showed he might be ready to demand a regular spot in the senior line-up and Orazio Fantasia’s run is exactly what the Bombers need,” Lloyd said.
“Despite the penalties Essendon have drafted really well. Zach Merrett is already a key member of side and Langford and Laverde look like excellent prospects.
Support in the stands is strong too with Essendon playing in front of the two biggest crowds to attend AFL games this season.
The Bombers also have the second highest average home crowd this year, as fans continue to show thier loyal support.