Brent Stanton says the drive and competitiveness among the Essendon playing group is the best he’s seen.

The Dons midfielder is entering his 14^th season with the Club.

He is part of an on-ball division featuring young players who shone with the extra responsibility thrust upon them last year, and a group of returning big-bodied midfielders.

“There is going to be a lot of pressure for spots,” Stanton told SEN.

“Everyone is training at a really high level and the self-driven nature of this playing group at the moment is the best I’ve ever seen it, it’s very exciting.

“All of the young guys are pushing the older guys and the older guys are pushing the young guys.

“We’re all working so hard and pushing for each other’s spot.” 

Stanton said the progress made last year and the pursuit of sustained success is adding to the sense of anticipation. 

“That’s certainly why all those returning players have come back to the football club, they can see an exciting time,” he said.

“We haven’t had this much youth in the football club for a long time so it’s exciting to be around and certainly makes you feel a little bit younger.

“The fans have been terrific – I think we’re nearly up to 50,000 members – and their support has been unbelievable.

“The coaching group have been very energetic in where they want to take us as a group – we’re hoping the sky is the limit for this playing group whether it’s next year or two years time … (we want to) build a football club with sustained success again.”

Stanton and Jobe Watson are the only current day Bombers who have tasted a finals victory in the red and black. 

The pair has been a mainstay of the Essendon midfield for more than a decade. 

Stanton said his long-time teammate is in good shape ahead of the start of the season.

“Jobe is going really well. He’s back to the person that we all knew, he’s very energetic, he’s leading by example – I don’t think you can ask for too much more from a guy who has gone through what he’s gone through,” Stanton said.

“I can honestly say he’s in the best peak fitness I’ve ever seen him in.

“He’s training the lights out, his contested ball and his quick hands is unbelievable with the match practice we’ve been doing.”