Forward Matt Guelfi feels this year’s frustration more than most.

Aside from the much-talked-about team disappointment in what loomed as a promising season, on a personal note, the hard-working forward looked set to take on his new role and run with it.

Guelfi’s best game came when Essendon were at their hottest in round nine against then-premiership favourites GWS.

The 27-year-old kicked three goals and registered six tackles in a classic small forward display, yet it was Guelfi’s work in stopping GIANTS general Lachie Whitfield that proved his worth to the team.

Guelfi negated the classy defender to only 14 disposals, well below his season average of 30, and showed Bombers fans how pivotal a defensive forward can be against quality teams.

Yet, Guelfi would be limited to 13 games due to soft tissue injuries, robbing him of continuity – and it’s something the West Australian product is looking to rectify over the off-season.

“That is probably the most frustrating thing – when I was out there, I was playing some really good footy, and my role in the team now of (negating) those halfbacks or whoever, I’m really enjoying that role,” Guelfi said.

“Whatever I can do to help the team, I’ll do that, and I’ll look to get out there more next year and get my body right."

Guelfi’s promising glimpses in a tough season were enough to confirm his place in Senior Coach Brad Scott’s plans, signing a new two-year contract extension to remain at Essendon until the end of 2026.

And what’s exciting Guelfi for the future? It’s the trust he says is being built amongst the team and the rise in young players taking their chance at senior level.

“It was frustrating not to be out there with the boys (for large parts), but I do feel like there were positives with (Sam) Durham and (Jye) Caldwell coming through,” Guelfi said.

“That’s the hard bit. You can look at the results and be frustrated like we are, but the way we’re building our game plan and having a more competitive edge has been better than it has been in the past.

“We’ve got a long way to go and we’ll be working in the pre-season on it, which I’m excited about. It’s so important that I feel like we can trust each other more. Building that trust is so important and getting games into those younger boys like Archie Roberts and Nate Caddy.”

After a disappointing team finish to the year, Guelfi admits it’s a position he nor the rest of the Bombers want to be facing again in 2025.

Guelfi believes the hunger to improve is real, and there’s one clear directive for the playing group to work on ahead of the upcoming pre-season.

“Everyone knows they’re going to have to go away in the off-season and come back fitter than ever with that fire in your belly,” Guelfi said.

“It’s just translating that into pre-season and footy, and going into next year rolling.”