List changes: The Bombers have already had three retirements – Jobe Watson, James Kelly and Brent Stanton – with more likely, while rookie Yestin Eades was delisted earlier in the year. 

DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Patrick Ambrose, Michael Hartley, Michael Hurley
General defenders: Mark Baguley, Mitch Brown, Matt Dea, Aaron Francis, Martin Gleeson, Andrew McGrath, Conor McKenna, Ben McNiece, Alex Morgan, Jordan Ridley

Summary: The Bombers look good in the defensive stakes for depth, with three key defenders and Mitch Brown and Matt Dea able to play taller than they are, and Aaron Francis also able to slip into a third key defensive post. Their group of running half-backs are young, which bodes well. 

MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Craig Bird, Dylan Clarke, Travis Colyer, Brendon Goddard, Heath Hocking, Dyson Heppell, Kyle Langford, Zach Merrett, Kobe Mutch, David Myers, Darcy Parish, David Zaharakis
Ruckmen: Tom Bellchambers, Sam Draper, Matthew Leuenberger, Shaun McKernan

Summary: Essendon could add some more big-bodied midfielders. In the ruck stakes the club was been buoyed by the development of Sam Draper in his first year at the club.

FORWARDS
Midfielders/forwards: Orazio Fantasia, Jackson Merrett, Jayden Laverde, Ben Howlett
General forwards: Josh Begley, Josh Green, Mason Redman, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Jake Long
Key forwards: Joe Daniher, Cale Hooker, James Stewart

Summary: As one of the highest scoring sides in the competition this year, Essendon has no problems in attack. Their three key forwards worked well together this year, and there's a bunch of smaller options as well. 

CONCLUSION
Essendon's pressing need for midfielders was obvious against the Swans, and they should be on the lookout for adding some ready-to-go players during the trade and free agency period. If they keep their first draft pick (currently No.12), a midfielder like Charlie Constable or Andrew Brayshaw could fit the bill to build the engine room stocks.