Rival coaches say Essendon is capable of making a rapid surge up the ladder in 2017.

In a survey of all 18 AFL senior coaches, facilitated by the AFL Coaches' Association, 83.3% (15 out of 18) of coaches predict Essendon can make the finals next season.

The Bombers have won just one game this season but in 2017 they will be bolstered by the return of their sidelined stars, the experience gained by the young players this season and some more top end draft talent.

John Worsfold is a man well versed is quick turnarounds.

In 2010, his West Coast Eagles won just four games to finish on the bottom of the ladder. 

But a year later, the Eagles won 17 home and away games to secure a top four spot and make it all the way to the preliminary final.

Worsfold will have key midfielders Dyson Heppell, Travis Colyer, David Myers and Heath Hocking at his disposal next season as well as ruckman Tom Bellchambers and All Australian defender Cale Hooker.

Essendon has had two nominees (Darcy Parish and Orazio Fantasia) for the AFL’s Rising Star award this year and could land a third before the season is finished with Aaron Francis already displaying some eye-catching talent.

The Bombers have often fielded sides with more than half of the team having played less than 50 AFL games.

General Manager of Football Operations Rob Kerr spoke to Bomber Radio about the Club’s investment in youth this season and how it will benefit the team next year.

“You really do need to get games of experience under your belt to be a competitive team,” Kerr said.

“Essendon in 1993 is probably the one exception to the rule.  Generally if you look at a couple of teams competing and there is a big number of players that have played less than 25 games, it’s going to be hard for that team.

“For the most part, the numbers tell you that if the differential it too high in terms of inexperience, you’re going to find it very hard to win.

“This year, one of the positives, is that we’ve been able to put games into young players, possibly ahead of time.

“So that can’t help but accelerate the development of the group.”