Can Essendon overcome the off-field distractions to feature in the finals in 2013?
The cliche "pre-season from hell" doesn't even begin to describe what the Bombers have been through.
The supplements scandal has been discussed in detail elsewhere, suffice to say it can't be easy to concentrate on playing footy when the club is in the middle of multiple investigations that could drag coaches and players before interrogators at any moment.
With all the other news around the club, Essendon's dramatic form slump last season has largely been forgotten.
Essendon won eight of its first nine games in 2012 - then three of their next 13.
Individual players suffered huge form reversals - Brent Stanton and Stewart Crameri were highlighted, but they weren't alone - injuries struck and the Bombers even forgot how to kick, going from one of the highest kicking effiency ranking teams to second last ahead of only GWS.
Exclusive video: Watch Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson answer the hard questions about the Bombers in the video player above
So where does all that leave the Bombers entering 2013?
In terms of personnel, not a lot has changed although the one arrival is significant - former Saint Brendon Goddard.
Goddard can fill two desperate needs at Windy Hill - pinpoint kicking and offer some help for Jobe Watson in the middle of the ground.
As good as Jobe is - and he is very, very good - he has been left to do it all on his own for far too long.
Check out our top Essendon SuperCoach picks here
The other significant addition to the list is boom father-son recruit Joe Daniher, but don't expect too much of him this season.
The fate of the Bombers in 2013 is again likely to come down to the same names we have been talking about for years.
Picture gallery: Essendon family day
Will Paddy Ryder become the consistently dominant ruckman he has threatened to become? Will Michael Hurley take the competition by the scruff of the neck? Can David Myers, Jake Melksham and Tom Bellchambers go from promising to outstanding?
We are likely to have a lot more answers about Essendon - on and off the field - in the next few months. Watch this space.
Check out our previous team previews here:
Adelaide - Tippett leaves huge hole
Brisbane - Fate rests on Browny's shoulders
Carlton - Mick the messiah
Collingwood - good but not good enough
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