Towering Essendon forward Peter Wright believes he has bounced back from a shock axing last year with better "clarity" in his game.
After booting 52 goals in 2022 to claim the Bombers' Crichton Medal, Wright endured a tough 2024 that included being dropped late in the season.
The 28-year-old missed four games through suspension for a bump gone wrong on Sydney defender Harry Cunningham in round two.
After returning, Wright only had brief moments close to his best and described the campaign as "challenging".
"Not too many people who play footy ever have it all their own way," he told AAP.
"I wasn't playing my best footy last year; a little bit inconsistent and probably a little bit indecisive out there.
"So I feel like I got some much better clarity."
An ankle issue delayed his start to 2025, but Wright bounced back immediately on return with a superb six-goal haul in a tight win against West Coast in round six.
"I had a really strong off-season, pre-season, to get the body in good shape," Wright said.
"I had a little bit of a hiccup with the ankle, but physically feeling good and eventually just getting some more clarity and wanting to build on that."
Wright's presence will be vital in an Essendon team experiencing an injury crisis, particularly to key position players.
First-choice rucks Sam Draper and Nick Bryan suffered season-ending injuries, meaning veteran Todd Goldstein has had to step up to be the Bombers' No.1 big man.
Wright is giving important help to Goldstein as a back-up ruck, as well as being a presence up forward.
Crafty forward Kyle Langford (quad) and breakout defender Zach Reid (hamstring) will both be out for up to six weeks after hurting themselves in the Dreamtime win against Richmond last Friday.
Teenage defender Zak Johnson has already been confirmed to be Essendon's seventh debutant of the season, selected to play against reigning premiers the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Thursday night.
"We clearly want to have, like every team, the next man up mentality," Wright said.
"We're going to have to rely on our depth as a playing list, but the flip side has been the positives in being able to play (seven) debutants this year.
"Who knows, we might build on that in coming weeks."
