For the Fremantle Dockers, 2019 could not have ended much worse.
They looked like a lock for the finals, with a top eight spot all but locked up, before they lost eight of their final 10 matches to finish 13th.
Now, Fremantle will head into the 2020 season with former club legend Justin Longmuir at the helm, and off the back of a strong preseason.
But Essendon will want to send long-time coach John Worsfold out on top, and the Bombers have that chance starting with week one.
Essendon was good at home last season, going 7-4, and should find a way to win this one in a tight contest.
All lines from Parx Casino Sportsbook — Check Fubo.tv for channel listings
Essendon Bombers (-205) vs. Fremantle Dockers (+170), 10:45 p.m. EDT (Watch AFL)
THE PICK: Essendon to win by 39 points or less (-103)