10 reasons why Essendon supporters should be positive heading into 2025

Essendon have appeared in eleven finals campaigns this century. Yet it’s been two long decades since they won a final.

Now, Essendon fans are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel after having finished 11th two years in a row.

However, Cam Luke has provided 10 uplifting reasons to believe in the sash next season.

1. Zach Merrett

“He is a superstar. Five-time best and fairest; we’re talking uncharted territory when it comes to what this guy can do,” Cam Luke said on AFL Trade Radio.

“The way he speaks is so honest and transparent. He has turned into a wonderful leader.

“He is their best player by a country mile, and he is one of the best players in the competition.

“The best news is he stayed. St Kilda took a big swing at him, and he stayed.”

2. Nic Martin and Sam Durham

“They both announced themselves this year.

“They both play the way that successful players play in 2024; they’ve got run and dare, they take the game on.

“They finished second and third in the best and fairest. They weren’t even that far behind Zach Merrett.”

3. Harrison Jones

“He finished top ten in the best and fairest.

“Him finishing in the top ten is going to give him the confidence to start to believe he can play at the level that I think he can.”

4. Nate Caddy

“Just play this kid. He’s got a bit of swag to him.

“When you’ve got a key forward, there’s going to be ups and downs, but I like what he can do inside 50.

“Don’t ever put him in the VFL. He should never play in the twos again. Don’t drop him.

“Caddy is going to be a huge part of this team and the success they have.”

5. Zach Reid

“If you’re an Essendon fan, you need to believe that the injury gods are going to finally look after Zach Reid.

“If this kid gets a run at it, he will make them a hell of a lot better.

“I have no doubt he worries a lot about if he’s going to get injured. He’s had such bad luck.

“Essendon fans should pray that he can get his body right.”

6. Jake Stringer

“I like the way they handled Jake Stringer.

“They said this is it, you’ve got a contract and we are going to hold you to it if we don’t find ourselves getting better.”

7. They’ve had enough of unsuccess

“They know it’s time to get going. 20 years without a finals win and it comes from the very top to the last player on the list and everyone in between.

“It’s time to stand up.”

8. They play in big games

“Their fans should be excited by the fact that they get to play in two of the best home and away games of the year.

“Dreamtime is a wonderful night and ANZAC Day is the best day of football outside of the Grand Final.

“As a fan that’s exciting, and usually when you get to ANZAC Day the season is still alive, so you can believe.”

9. Peter Wright

“I am banking on him to turn it out and kick 50 goals next year.

“Wright, Jones and Caddy inside 50, and some of their midfielders will hit the scoreboard too.

“The fact for me is I think Peter Wright can bounce back and I hope he does.

“I think they can conjure up goals to win enough games.”

10. Brad Scott

“He did some really good things at North Melbourne, and he’s making a stand now at Essendon.

“He got North Melbourne to two preliminary finals.

“I think he’s a coach on and off the football field that stands for no BS.

“I think he is the right guy for this Bombers team to go forward.”