Season preview - Essendon

*Disclosure time (last one I promise!): Essendon and Collingwood fans don't mix.

Essential information:

Coach: James Hird (2^nd season)

2011 season: 11 wins, 10 losses, 1 draw (8^th overall)

Player changes

In: Elliott Kavanagh, Jackson Merrett, Nick O’Brien

Out: Darcy Daniher, Josh Jenkins, Andrew Welsh, Mark Williams

Players to watch

Kyle Reimers: Small forward attempting to replace Stephen Milne as the most aggravating player in the AFL. Aggressive attitude, lairy boots, spiked hair, tats he has all the attributes to achieve that lofty ambition, except, it must be said, the required skills and consistency.

Dustin Fletcher: Ol' Man Fletcher will reach 350 games early in the season, around the same time as his 37th birthday. Still sees plenty of action because a) he still one of the bombers best decision makers, and b) the opposing teams try to expose him at every opportunity. While no at his peak he's still a key part of the team. Doesn't mind a torp.

Questions to ask Essendon supporters:

• Will James Hird be a better coach than he was a player?
• Remember Zaharakis's goal on ANZAC day?

Question not to ask:

• Was happened in last years finals?
• Aren't you glad you drafted Scott Gumbleton?

Prediction: The Bombers are among a bunch of teams fighting it out for a place in the finals, and with a very reasonable draw and a soft start to the season, could build some early momentum. A slight problem could be that unlike the clubs around them, Essendon haven’t made any significant changes from last year, tactically or list-wise, and will rely on natural improvement and coach James Hird avoiding the dreaded ‘second syndrome’ that so often afflicts people; bands for example, with their second album being nowhere near as good as its first. 8-12th