Essendon has shed the distractions of past seasons and is in an “exciting position” ahead of the 2019 season, according to chief executive Xavier Campbell.

Adding star Greater Western Sydney midfielder Dylan Shiel to their list in exchange for two first-round picks (including a future selection in next year's NAB AFL Draft) has the Bombers brimming with confidence as they approach the 2019 season.

Campbell said the events of recent seasons – including the fallout from the ASADA penalties handed down in a challenging 2012 – had been consigned to the past, and there was finally clear air surrounding the club.

"I think we've got a really clear run at it," Campbell said on Tuesday.

"There have been a range of distractions over the years but now we're at a point, and I know (coach) John (Worsfold) has spoken about this before, that we can see the steps that we're taking now.

"We don't have the distractions. Our peripheral vision isn't clouded anymore and that's exciting."

The inclusion of Shiel to complement the three players who were brought in last season – Jake Stringer, Adam Saad and eventual best and fairest winner Devon Smith – was another significant step in the club's list build.

Dylan Shiel will be a significant addition to the Bombers' line-up in 2019.

Campbell said it took time to bed down the integration of those players into the team – which saw the Bombers win just two of their first eight games of the 2018 season, but finish with 10 victories from their past 14 matches.

However, they are now in a far better position to click as a team, according to Campbell.

"Our list build was slightly interrupted four or five years ago but (list manager) Adrian (Dodoro) and John have spoken to this, our need to build robustness in our midfield was a clear priority and we've been able to achieve that with adding Dylan to the side," Campbell said.

"I feel (the same as) Adrian and John that we've got a list where we can really compete."

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Woosha’s grin and sunnies combo tells me we’re going to get destroyed this pre-season Young boys have come back in ripping knick @kleinyheraldsun

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Campbell said like the rest of the competition, playing finals was the Bombers' objective for 2019.

Campbell was on hand at The Hangar, the club's training base in Tullamarine, on Tuesday as Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten pledged $4 million to support the second stage of development for the Bombers' home should Labor be elected at the next Federal election.