‘Makes me sad’: Woeful Dons cop sprays as finals hopes evaporate
It was a nightmare under the roof for the Bombers on Saturday and the critics have come out hard, including a former player sinking the boot in. Here’s where to for Essendon.
Essendon
Scott: The result wasn’t even the worst part
Essendon coach Brad Scott was frustrated by a lot of things in the wake of his side’s horror loss to St Kilda – but he was clear on the two issues that disappointed him most.
Fraudulent FC: The 31 minutes that proved Dons are pretenders
The third quarter has long been known as the premiership quarter. For Essendon on Saturday, it was the pretender quarter, writes SAM LANDSBERGER. Here’s how it all fell apart.
‘Horror show’ rocks Essendon’s finals hopes
St Kilda has dismantled Essendon by 53 points to deliver a big blow to the Bombers’ dwindling AFL finals hopes.
‘That’d be the last straw’: Dees urged not to trade Oliver
As speculation rages about Clayton Oliver’s future at Melbourne, a former Demons skipper has urged the club not to move on the troubled midfield superstar.
Change of heart? Lobb revival leaves Dogs in awkward spot
Rory Lobb’s stunning career revival in defence has left Westerm Bulldogs in an awkward position as they maintain a strong interest in one of the best key backmen on the market.
‘Incredible how Karma works’: Draper’s antics motivate Crows win
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks has revealed the Crows used the vision of Sam Draper’s ‘duck dive’ to motivate the side ahead of their victory over Essendon.
‘Just cruel’: AFL world rocked by horror sight
The AFL world has been left devastated over horror scenes for a Crows youngster as Adelaide pulled off one of their great victories.
SuperCoach take aways: Caldwell pain, Dawson concern after thriller
There was plenty to unpack after a thrilling Friday night contest at Marvel Stadium. Check out our three big SuperCoach takeaways.
Wing and a prayer: Role change invigorates injury-hit Don’s career
Harrison Jones has endured an injury-hit run during his time at Essendon. But deployed as a wingman by coach Brad Scott in the past months, the young Bomber is finally thriving and on the cusp of securing his long-term future.
The three-week stretch that will define Essendon’s season
Two months ago, finals seemed an obvious destination for the Bombers, now they’re back in the pack. So what are the best and worst-case scenarios, and what is most likely to happen?
Bombers coach calls for umpiring ‘heads up’
Essendon’s coach has defended AFL umpires but has one key request ahead of an important Friday night clash against Adelaide.
Bombers of old not up for the fight with battle hardened Dees
Toughness and smarts have been question marks at Essendon for the best past of two decades – and Saturday night didn’t answer any of those queries, writes JOSH BARNES.
Bombers coach laments an ‘18-month first’
Essendon coach Brad Scott says part of his side’s performance on Saturday night was the worst he’s seen in his time at the club.
Bombers veterans in scrap for spots
Essendon coach Brad Scott says “horses for courses” remains his mantra as two champion players pose a major selection challenge.
Eight picks in top 40: How Tiges can build generational draft haul
Richmond are on track to finish 18th for the first time but by trading a couple of aging premiership stars, they could walk into this year’s draft with an epic hand of picks.
‘More dangerous’: Caddy shows way ahead for Bombers
A week after being omitted for ‘team balance’, Nate Caddy made a big impression for Essendon. His emergence could show the way ahead for the Bombers in the rundown to September.
‘Excited’ Scott sings Caddy’s praises
Essendon coach Brad Scott says the breakout performance of a top-10 pick has given the Bombers “the best problem to have”.
Bombers make statement at the ‘G
Essendon’s defence looked all at sea as Jack Crisp ran riot for three consecutive first-term goals at the MCG – but the Bombers steadied and then broke away to silence the doubters.
It’s official: Dons the real deal as Scott finds his perfect mix
Before the round, Essendon had not beaten a team currently in the top eight. But that all changed on Friday night, as Brad Scott orchestrated a Bombers statement win over Collingwood.
‘Stop Daicos’: Bombers expose Collingwood
One key Collingwood name was front of mind as Essendon finally silenced some critics with a key victory over the AFL premiers.
McGuane: What Pies really need from Darcy Moore tonight
It’s a blockbuster at the MCG – and we’ll learn a lot about both Collingwood and Essendon tonight, writes MICK McGUANE. Will the real Darcy Moore stand up? The skipper isn’t Craig McRae’s only issue.
Caldwell: Dons won’t fall off cliff again in home stretch
Last year the Dons sat fifth after Round 17 before bombing out of the top eight by season’s end. Star onballer Jye Caldwell says this time will be different. Plus see his take on the midfield mix.
Bomber set to revive stalled career
A forgotten Essendon on-baller is poised to receive a big chance against Collingwood after a VFL performance that left his coach “rapt”.
Scott’s ‘rabbit hole’ fear for AFL umpiring
Essendon coach Brad Scott has a warning for AFL fans after a revealing meeting with league umpiring officials this week.
Dodoro from the clouds: Inside the Durham draft heist
In a recruiting world full of leaks, doublecrossing and espionage, Sydney still never saw Essendon coming in the 2021 mid-season draft. Jon Ralph looks back at just how the Dons landed their new star.
‘It’s disrespectful’: Coach scorches star forward
Essendon coach Brad Scott has spoken candidly about his conversation with Sam Draper after his team’s win over West Coast.
‘Disappointed, disrespectful’: Scott clarifies Draper absence
Sam Draper’s comments about Luke Beveridge caused a diplomatic incident north of the Yarra this week but did it cause his absence against the Eagles? Brad Scott clarified post-match.
‘Overwhelmed’: Ex-Don opens up on Cats VFL exit, AFL regrets
Brayden Ham played the first two games of the VFL season then decided it wasn’t for him. The former Essendon player reflects on the challenges he has faced since being delisted.
Bombers star apologises for spreading rumour
Essendon forward Sam Draper has been scolded by his football club apologised after spreading a rumour about a rival club.
Ultimate success and mateship: Why star Bomber inked huge deal
Essendon have locked down a key piece of their future in Andrew McGrath, and the star half-back says the challenge of ending Essendon’s premiership drought enticed him to put pen to paper.
Draper reaches out to Bevo over podcast comments
Essendon ruckman Sam Draper has reached out to Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge after he made comments on a podcast about the Dogs’ list.
Bombers embrace selection ‘dilemma’
A rising star’s return could force a significant personnel change at Essendon as coach Brad Scott reveals whether the Bombers will play “tall ball” again.
Hird: It’s time for an independent review of Dons’ saga
As the Chinese swimming scandal rolls on, it’s time for a proper judicial review established by the government of ASADA’s and WADA’s handling of the Essendon drug saga, writes ALLAN HIRD.
Player ratings: Was Stringer robbed of Anzac Medal?
Zach Merrett won the Anzac Medal after racking up 31 disposals, but was his teammate more deserving of the award? We rate every player from the Pies and Dons draw here.
‘Really excited’: Wanted Don declares contract intentions
Bomber Andy McGrath has made it clear where he stands as contract talks continue as the in-form defender lifts the lid on playing on Bobby Hill.
‘Disrespected’: AFL medal drama erupts
The AFL’s Anzac Day medal has been dragged into controversy with the footy world divided by “laughable” details.
Scott: Let fans make call on extra-time in footy
The ending to the Pies-Bombers clash left many dissatisfied, not least the Essendon skipper and coach, so is it time for extra time to come into the home-and-away season? HAVE YOUR SAY.
Robbo: What extra time crusaders have wrong about footy
Both the Pies and Bombers thrilled on Anzac Day, but both made plenty of mistakes and showed plenty of grit to not give up, which is why a draw was so fitting, writes MARK ROBINSON.
Bombers president backs Sheedy ahead of Anzac Day clash
Essendon president David Barham has used his Anzac Day clash speech to tell Bombers legend Kevin Sheedy he is “loved by the Essendon family” in the midst of a bombshell legal racism row he has vowed to fight.
Debate erupts over Anzac Day AFL thriller
Collingwood and Essendon have played out an Anzac Day epic and a 29-year first has reignited an age old debate about the AFL.
Bombers, Pies blow chances to claim Anzac Day epic
Jamie Elliott probably claimed the best mark of 2024 in the Anzac Day clash, but both he and Kyle Langford fluffed their chances to be heroes in a game that will live long in the memory.
Dons, Pies can’t be split after wild Anzac Day clash
It looked like either side were the winners in the final quarter, but in the end Essendon and Collingwood could not be split.
Pies great caught in X-rated Anzac moment
During a moving ceremony for this year’s Anzac Day game at the MCG, a Collingwood great was spotted making a shock comment.
‘Hang it in the Louvre’: All-time screamer
The annual Anzac Day game at the MCG has been set alight after an all-time highlight reel moment by Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott.
Ex-Bomber wants ‘shameful’ Watson Brownlow call overturned
One of Jobe Watson’s former teammates has urged the AFL to reinstate the ex-Bombers captain’s Brownlow Medal and launched a scathing attack on the investigation into Essendon’s infamous supplements program.
The belief driving Jye Caldwell to make up for lost time
Jye Caldwell was selected by GWS at 11 in the ‘super draft’ of 2018. After a disrupted early career at the Giants, Caldwell tells Jon Ralph he is intent on making up for lost time.
Bombers in line for prime-time fixturing bonanza
Essendon could be rewarded for early season form – and a potential Anzac Day blockbuster – with more prime-time slots later in the season.
Hird: Why were Chinese swimmers treated differently to Bombers?
The news Chinese swimmers were allowed to compete at Tokyo Olympics despite positive tests paints a picture worlds apart from WADA’s treatment of Essendon players in 2013.
Rising Bomber that defines the ‘Essendon edge’
Something feels different about the Bombers’ hopes in 2024, and part of that is a brilliant move by Brad Scott and his side. JON RALPH analyses how the Bombers have changed their fortunes.
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