The start of the JLT Community Series is now just a couple of weeks away.

Records, recruits and the build up to the game against Collingwood on February 16 headlined the news at Essendon this week.

The Bombers have two games in Victoria and a trip north to Queensland throughout the JLT Community Series. Here is all the ticket information.

The Bombers posted another membership record. The focus is now on passing the all time mark before the Dons run out for the round one clash against Hawthorn.

High Performance Manager Justin Crow provided updates on Michael Hartley, Cale Hooker, Shaun McKernan and Tom Bellchambers in the injury update.

David Myers spoke about how he's feeling heading into the 2017 season, while Jackson Merrett discussed life as a defender.

The Bombers are ramping up their match play ahead of the pre-season games and hope to give most of the returning stars a run throughout the three matches.

Here are some highlights from the match play this week.

When the home and away season gets underway Kevin Sheedy is tipping a bumper opening.

Just who leads the side out as Captain for that game will become clearer in the next few weeks and Hayden Skipworth says there are a number of strong candidates.

Off the field the VFL side landed some handy recruits, John Birt was recognised for his fine contribution to the game across more than four decades, the Essendon Women's Network is seeking expressions of interest for Committee positions and the Club is on the lookout for the next 'Skeeta'.

Stay tuned to essendonfc.com.au next week for all the fun of team photo day, the latest training news, the build up to the JLT Community Series opener against Collingwood and some exciting App news.