""We are a great club and have worked really hard this year. The team has really binded together and we are not going to accept anything less than finals this season,"" McVeigh explained.
""The group are extremely determined and disciplined and feel that we are really in with a chance this year and intend to make the most of the opportunity.""
Despite impressive performances by the majority of the Essendon contingent throughout pre-season, McVeigh hopes some of the Bomber’s newest recruits will get the opportunity to line up against Adelaide in Round 1.
""They have been fantastic and I think there will definitely be a couple of them making their debut in Adelaide,"" he said.
""It is hard to look past them because they add so many positives to the side with their youth complimenting the team’s experience.
""Guys like Alwyn Davey and Leroy Jetta have added a little bit of life around the club which is just fantastic to see. They are quick and have good goal sense and they get at Lloydy’s feet everytime the ball hits the ground.""
And with the season proper set to get underway in less than two weeks, McVeigh is excited about the role he will play in the Essendon line-up this year.
""I’ve obviously played the majority of my career in the back pocket but in last week’s game against Hawthorn I played on the half-back flank and hope to move up the line a bit more this year.
""Last week I was able to find more of the ball and put my skills to good use and I think that it will definitely hold me in good stead for Round 1.
""It is an exciting time to be involved with the Bombers and I’m really looking forward to a positive season ahead.""
