Three Bombers are set to celebrate significant milestones in home games against traditional rivals at the MCG this season.
Here's a list of the milestones to look forward to following the release of the 2021 fixture.
SYNC 2021 FIXTURE TO YOUR CALENDAR
200 games - Michael Hurley (193)
Hurley is close to becoming just the 24th player in history to chalk up the double century for Essendon.
He could have a big stage to celebrate it, too, with the 30-year-old set to play his 200th in a home game against Carlton at the MCG in round seven.
Having worn No.22 in his debut season, Hurley will have to play 17 games in 2021 to become just the third Bomber to reach 200 in No.18 after greats Matthew Lloyd (270) and Paul Vander Haar (201).
150 games - Zach Merrett (142), Jake Stringer (138)
It's not often you see a 24-year-old rack up 150 games, but that's what lies ahead for the ever-present Merrett.
The dual Crichton medallist's milestone could come as early as round eight against Greater Western Sydney at GIANTS Stadium.
It's been a sprint to 150 for the No.26 draft pick, who has played 142 of a possible 153 matches in a testament to his durability and professionalism.
Bombers fans will be hoping for a Stringer spark under Saturday night lights for Dreamtime at the 'G, in what could mark the All Australian's 150th game.
The dangerous 26-year-old is also closing in his 100th goal in the red and black, having booted 78 majors across three seasons at Essendon.
100 games - Darcy Parish (93), Martin Gleeson (91), Patrick Ambrose (87), Kyle Langford (81), Andrew McGrath (78)
A clear run will see Parish crack the ton against the Blues in round seven, possibly sharing the stage with fellow milestone man Hurley (200) in what looms as a big occasion for the Bomber faithful.
The 23-year-old joins Langford (81) and McGrath (78) as talented young midfielders closing in on 100 games in 2021.
Langford's 100th is on track for round 19 against Sydney at Marvel Stadium, while McGrath will need to play every game to bring up the century in the Bombers' final match of the home and away season against Collingwood.
Experienced defenders Gleeson (91) and Ambrose (87) are nearing hard-earned centuries.
Gleeson, who put injury troubles behind him to play 13 games last season, was delisted and then reinstated to the Bombers' list via December's rookie draft.
Ambrose, who was recruited from Essendon's VFL side at the end of 2013, will be hoping for better luck this year after a foot injury wiped out his 2020 season.
