It was a big week of signings at Essendon with a number of players signalling their intention to remain part of the comeback story.

Conor McKenna has signed a new one year deal and has also been elevated to the senior list.

Matt Dea and James Kelly's retention became official.  Dea spoke about his excitement for 2017, while Kelly described what a privilege it is to play for Essendon.

Nick O'Brien spoke about his decision to come back to the Bombers after spending a season playing in the SANFL.  The 23 year old with play with the Bombers VFL side in 2017.

The countdown to the National Draft is on and there was plenty of news this week.  We took a closer look at some of the leading prospects, including number one contenders Andrew McGrath and Will Setterfield, dynamic small forward Ben Ainsworth, the powerful Sam Powell-Pepper and Alex Villis who faces a battle to realise his AFL dream.

Stay across all the latest draft news here.

Most of the 2017 Essendon playing list will begin their official pre-season training on Monday.  Here are some videos to build the excitement as our comeback story enters its next phase.

The training jumpers are ready.

All of the extra work the players have been doing by themselves is about to pay off.

Our young leaders are ready to go.

And the final touches have been added.

The Comeback Story continues.