There were plenty of questions about Essendon’s forward line before the 2014 season but now the year has come to an end there should only be optimism.

Key pair Joe Daniher (28 goals) and Jake Carlisle (27 goals) booted 55 goals between them in a sign of the future.

Assistant coach Nathan Bassett has predicted an exciting future for the key tall duo in the Bombers forward set up.

“We had a young group but I thought there was improvement as the year went on,” Bassett said.

“I think the experience those guys gathered by playing together throughout the year leaves us in a good position for next year.”

“You would like to think next year now that Jake and Joe have played together and with the improvement they have shown that we could get 75-100 goals between those two.”

Daniher played 21 games in just his second season at AFL level with his 28 goals winning the club’s goal kicking for the season.

Bassett feels Daniher continued to mature as the year went on and took very important steps in his development.

“Joe started to look like he is ready to play some good footy,” Bassett said,

“He is more than competent of playing as an AFL footballer and he doesn’t stand out as the young kid, he can actually play a bit.”

“I am confident he can move towards playing some really good footy next year.”

Bassett believes Carlisle can be ‘an outstanding forward’ but is continuing to learn how to ply his craft as a forward.

After being given a spot on the club’s rookie list Patrick Ambrose shone as the Bombers third tall option.

He filled the void left by the departure of Stewart Crameri in the off-season to provid an important cog in the forward set up.

“Patty Ambrose showed some good signs as a first year forward particularly defensively,” Bassett said.

“We have a bit of work to do on his offence but he adds something to our setup in terms of his defence.”