The Bombers endured one of their toughest training sessions of the pre-season this week.  Some experienced campaigners said it was one of the hardest of their careers.

The pre-season fixture was announced with the Bombers starting the 2017 campaign against an old rival before heading north to Queensland and returning for a game in Bendigo.

That match in Bendigo takes place during Essendon's community camps.  The Club will head to Sunbury, Craigieburn, Kyabram and Rochester.

Essendon held its annual members forum this week, with Chairman Lindsay Tanner providing a snapshot of where the Club sits entering 2017.

The jumper numbers for the Bombers recruits were announced as well as an extended partnership with Yakult. 

Chief Executive Xavier Campbell updated members on the strategic plan and the results from the member survey were released.

But it was Kevin Sheedy who stole the show.

We continued to learn more about our new recruits this week.  They were introduced to members at the Member Forum.

Andrew McGrath spoke about his first few weeks as a Bomber and Dylan Clarke opened up about draft night nerves.

Ben McNiece spoke about his goals as he begins his first AFL pre-season.

The draftees also provided their first impressions of the Club in this two part (part one, part two) series.

The Bombers will be hoping to unearth more AFL talent through its VFL program.  The VFL Dons announced several new signings and the retention of some key players this week.

Michael Hurley provided a special gift to a family in need and also spoke of his observations throughout his first few weeks back at the Bombers.

The coverage of Essendon's pre-season will continue this week and don't forget the special Open Training session on December 20.