AFL.com.au's Callum Twomey takes a look at a potential line-up for Essendon's 2019 round one clash against GWS at Spotless Stadium...

TEAM EXPLAINED: It is a strong line-up on paper for the Bombers if they can get a full list available for next year. Their forward half is powerful and dangerous, their back line has key pillars and plenty of pace, and their midfield has been bolstered by the arrival of Dylan Shiel. Shiel is the only new face in the best 22 from last year as the Bombers' star recruit, while Jayden Laverde may be considered one of the more unlucky players given his three-goal finish to 2018 and explosiveness when fit.

PRE-SEASON BATTLE: Jordan Ridley made his senior debut last year and performed well across half-back, but he may be fighting fellow youngster Aaron Francis for a spot in defence. Key forwards James Stewart and Mitch Brown will also be challenging Shaun McKernan to be the foil to Joe Daniher in attack (if Daniher is fit), while a hot contest is likely between Sam Draper and Zac Clarke to be the ruck back-up to Tom Bellchambers should the senior Bomber be unavailable.

B: Conor McKenna, Michael Hurley, Martin Gleeson
HB: Aaron Francis, Cale Hooker, Adam Saad
C: David Zaharakis, Dyson Heppell, Andrew McGrath
HF: Orazio Fantasia, Shaun McKernan, Devon Smith
F: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Joe Daniher, Jake Stringer
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Zach Merrett, Dylan Shiel
I/C: Darcy Parish, Kyle Langford, David Myers, Patrick Ambrose

Defender depth: Matt Dea, Michael Hartley, Luke Lavender, Ben McNiece, Jordan Ridley, Mason Redman*, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher

Forward depth: Mark Baguley, Josh Begley*, Mitch Brown, Noah Gown, Brayden Ham, Jordan Houlahan, Jayden Laverde, Jake Long, Irving Mosquito, James Stewart

Midfield depth: Dylan Clarke, Matt Guelfi, Tom Jok, Kobe Mutch, Trent Mynott

Ruck depth: Zac Clarke, Sam Draper 

*denotes injury