Essendon champion, and respected football commentator, Matthew Lloyd has tried his hand at selecting his best Bombers line-up for 2018.

Lloyd named his ‘best 22’ on NAB AFL Trade Radio and selected the team on the assumption the Bombers secure Western Bulldog Jake Stringer before Thursday’s trade deadline.

The Dons have already landed former Giant Devon Smith and ex-Sun Adam Saad this trade period.

Essendon List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro said Saad's move to the Club may open the door for Andrew McGrath to spend more time in the midfield.

The Bombers will need to cover the losses of Jobe Watson and James Kelly in 2018. The pair were regulars last season.

Lloyd's Best 22

B: Conor McKenna, Cale Hooker, Martin Gleeson

HB: Adam Saad, Michael Hurley, Brendon Goddard

C: David Zaharakis, Dyson Heppell, Andrew McGrath

HF: Jake Stringer*, James Stewart, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti

F: Orazio Fantasia, Joe Daniher, Devon Smith

R: Tom Bellchambers, Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett

I: Kyle Langford, Jayden Laverde, Travis Colyer, Mark Baguley

*This side is based on the possibility Jake Stringer is traded to the Bombers