Essendon can take heart from the rapid improvement the Western Bulldogs have displayed this season according to former Bombers champion Matthew Lloyd. 

The Bulldogs finished in 14^th position last season but this year they are on track to qualify for the finals.

“It’s amazing how quickly it can change if you get it right,” Lloyd said.

The Bombers have lost several key players to injury throughout the season, but their absence has opened the door for some inexperienced players to gain valuable exposure.

“The great thing about this season is guys are getting opportunities,” Lloyd said.

“There will be no excuses for these guys for next year to say I haven’t had exposure at AFL level.

“I think there has been some really strong signs.”

Nick O’Brien, Shaun Edwards, Marty Gleeson, Jackson Merrett and first year players Kyle Langford and Jayden Laverde are among those getting a prolonged run in the seniors.

“I don’t believe its Heppell and Hooker that’s going to make Essendon a stronger side,” Lloyd said.

“It’s those guys around the 50 game mark that will be the ones that catapult you to being a top four side.

‘That’s what’s happened at the Western Bulldogs this year - it’s guys you just haven’t expected that have catapulted the Bulldogs.”

Essendon will be in its strongest draft position for a number of seasons, allowing it access to some of the country’s most exciting talent.

“Changes to the list need to be made, strong recruits need to come in and young recruits,” Lloyd said.

“But at the same time things are never as bad as they seem.”

Two sides in the current top four (West Coast and the Western Bulldogs) failed to make the finals last season.