BRENT Stanton is adamant Essendon's blend of youth and experience can propel the success-starved Bombers back into finals contention sooner than expected.

Stanton has played in just five finals for only one victory –  over Melbourne in 2004, his first season at the club – since he was drafted with pick No.13 in 2003. 

But with a resolution to the supplements saga finally within sight and with new coach John Worsfold at the helm, Stanton believes the Dons can rapidly turn their fortunes around after a dismal 2015.

"I was pretty excited when I first got drafted to come to the Essendon Football Club that it's always bred success previously and unfortunately we haven't been able to provide that to our supporters and fans," the 248-game veteran told the Bombers' website.

"But I think there's an opportunity here right now, it's pretty exciting with the mix and the age demographic that we have, that we can bounce back very quickly. 

"I just want to have a lot of team success and hopefully get this club back up – rebuild or regenerate, whichever word you want to use – to hopefully get that success for players like Jobe (Watson) and these guys who haven't had a lot since we've been here." 

Despite the Bombers winning only six games last season, Stanton produced another consistent campaign in an often understrength midfield.

He averaged 26 disposals and completed his 10th straight year of playing at least 20 matches, before signing a one-year contract extension in October.

The durable onballer is in the midst of another impressive pre-season – he finished runner-up in the club's final time trial before Christmas – and said he wants to leave nothing in the tank before his time is up at Tullamarine.

"I suppose (the secret to my durability is) trying to complete as much of pre-season as you can and I think that sets you up in good stead for the season as well," Stanton said.

"The older you get you've got to manage what you should and shouldn't do. You always want to do everything, but it's probably not the best for you leading into a whole season. 

"These days it's just a lot of recovery and even when you're not here doing football stuff you're at home thinking about 'All right, what do I need to do to get up for training again?' 

"I suppose that's the mindset, you've got to make the most of it while you're in it, and that's what I'm trying to do."