Ultimate player ratings: Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane rate every Essendon player

Zach Merrett is a rolled-gold superstar for Essendon, but who else can run with him? JON RALPH and GLENN MCFARLANE run their rule over the Bombers’ list to see who can join him.

Brad Scott did what he said he would in 2023.

He developed the kids, worked to a clear long-term plan, got excellent performances out of his mid-tier players until the Dons hit the wall as the injuries mounted.

For the Dons to continue their surge up the ladder in 2024, the stars really need to shine.

If Sam Draper could be in All Australian 44 calculations, and Jake Stringer finished in the top three in the best-and-fairest, Essendon would play finals.

Put down the glasses.

But if fans know what they will get from the club’s top-rated player in Zach Merrett, Stringer and Draper blow hot and cold.

Stringer doesn’t need to be the hero — he needs to find the middle ground between MIA and world-beater.

And, if Draper can throw off the injury issues of 2023, he needs to develop another string to his bow — intercept marking across half back or roaming forward to be an offensive threat.

Make no mistake, Brad Scott now has the cattle to compete and now needs to maximise the potential of the list.

Criteria: Prediction of their 2024 performance based on their 2023 season, expected improvement and role in their side.