THE BOMBERS are back from the wilderness, and their fans expect them to deliver a finals appearance in 2017.
With a full complement of available players following last season's WADA anti-doping bans, John Worsfold's Dons have shot up the ladder and resume after their bye in eighth position with a 6-6 record.
Over 84 per cent of fans who gave their mid-season verdict on Essendon in an AFL.com.au survey predicted a top-eight finish.
Bomber fans have also given Worsfold an enormous vote of confidence, with 99 per cent happy with the coach.
Despite the return of a host of stars in 2017, it's young gun Zach Merrett who has been the Bombers' best performer in the first half of the season, followed by the maturing Joe Daniher.
Here are the full survey results, as well as a selection of Bomber fans' hopes for the second half of the season..
It'll be a good year for the Bombers if …
Joe Daniher finishes in the top three of the Coleman medal.
- Jared Kitney, Melbourne Vic
We win a final and sign on Joe Daniher, Darcy Parish and David Zaharakis.
- Finnian Clancy, Fairfield Vic
We finish our comeback story with a flag.
- Keith Moon, Scarborough WA
Jobe Watson can get back to his best, for himself and footy as a whole. Great player to watch.
- Charlie Goodsir, Sydney NSW
We make the finals and Merrett finishes top five in the Brownlow count.
- Vincenzo Pedulla, Bunbury WA
Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker both fire at the same time. It will be like Lloyd and Lucas.
- John Lynch, Eltham Vic
We can find consistency and we keep winning the big games.
- Kyle Appleby, Warrandyte Vic
It's already a good year! Winning a final will be nice, though.
- Michael McKenzie, St James WA
Read more
• Mid-season review: Essendon's pass mark and biggest concern
• More mid-season reviews and fans' verdicts
• Your club's mid-season player awards
