“That should be the aim, because they have not won a final since 2004, a poor result for any club,” Twomey said.
“And to get to the ultimate goal – a premiership –they need to gradually build up finals experience.”
Twomey pointed out some key position players who need to stand up if the Bombers are to be successful.
“Michael Hurley has moved to defence, where he looks and feels more comfortable, and heads into the year fit and ready. With some continuity and injury luck Hurley will be hoping for a career-best season.
“Joe Daniher becomes Essendon's main man up forward and holds down the role with aplomb. He kicks 50 goals, guides the Bombers back into the finals and wins the NAB AFL Rising Star, cementing himself as one of the most exciting young players in the competition.”
Looking at the fixture and Essendon needs to be on song from the get-go.
“It's a pretty tough start to the year for the Bombers, with only one of their first six games considered a likely win (St Kilda in round five). North Melbourne, the Hawks, Carlton, Fremantle and Collingwood all present big challenges for the Bombers in a difficult opening.”
Twomey acknowledges there could be some external factors again this season that may distract the team with the ongoing ASADA investigation but believes there is little pressure on the coach.
“Mark Thompson will be determined to do well in 2014, and the Bombers believe they have a good list on their hands. But if things go wrong, there isn't much to lose for the dual premiership coach.”
ARRIVALS: Patrick Ambrose, Kurt Aylett, Paul Chapman, Shaun Edwards, Orazio Fantasia, Zach Merrett, Johnny Rayner, Fraser Thurlow
DEPARTURES: Stewart Crameri, Alwyn Davey, Luke Davis, Scott Gumbleton, David Hille, Hal Hunter, Nathan Lovett-Murray
BEST 22
FB: Dustin Fletcher, Michael Hurley, Mark Baguley
HB: Michael Hibberd, Cale Hooker, Courtenay Dempsey
C: David Zaharakis, Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell
HF: Paul Chapman, Jake Carlisle, Jake Melksham
FF: Kyle Hardingham, Joe Daniher, Nick Kommer
Fol: Patrick Ryder, Brent Stanton, Brendon Goddard
Int: David Myers, Jackson Merrett, Heath Hocking
Sub: Ben Howlett
MEDICAL ROOM
Tom Bellchambers (ankle) 6-8 weeks
Alex Browne (knee) season
Michael Hibberd (hamstring) 3 weeks
Nick Kommer (knee) TBC
Jason Winderlich (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
FIRST FIVE GAMES: North Melbourne (Etihad Stadium), Hawthorn (Etihad Stadium), Carlton (MCG), Fremantle (Patersons Stadium), St Kilda (Etihad Stadium).
PLAY TWICE: Sydney Swans, Carlton, Collingwood, Richmond, Western Bulldogs
