Essendon Coach John Worsfold isn’t letting the events of recent months deter his ambition to lead the Club in to its next great era. 

The Bombers open their season next weekend against Gold Coast and are likely to field a number of new faces. 

Draftees Mitch Brown and Michael Hartley played in each of the three NAB Challenge games, while top pick Darcy Parish impressed in his only outing.

Ryan Crowley is expected to be available for selection and premiership winning Geelong players Mathew Stokes and James Kelly pulled up well after the game against West Coast. 

After an unsettled three years, Worsfold is excited about getting the home and away season underway.

“We are setting our sights absolutely on the future – rebuilding the brand and the culture within the footy club,” he told Triple M.

“The great, successful Essendon Football Club is still there.

“It’s been through a rocky patch but it’s going to come out of it really strong and be that great brand again.”

Worsfold will maintain regular contact with his 12 missing players throughout the season.

“I won’t annoy them too much, they’ve got a lot on their plate,” he said.

“They’re getting themselves organised for the year and it is a bit of a break from the game for them to a degree.

“I’ll touch base with them at least once a month just to update them on what’s happening at the footy club, answer any questions they’ve got and see how they’re going because I really hope that they know that they’ve got plenty of great footy ahead of them.”

The Bombers have passed the 50,000-member mark in record time as supporters continue to demonstrate their unwavering loyalty.

“I’m really enjoying it, the Club has got great people there,” Worsfold said.

“I’ve met so many people that have been members of Essendon for over 50 years and they make the effort to come up and say G’day.” 

To Make a Stand and secure your tickets to the Bombers first home game of the season against Melbourne, click here.