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Essendon Bombers

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Elijah Hollands celebrates a goal during the 2024 season.

Blue to return from break via VFL; Injury heartbreak for Bombers recruit

Elijah Hollands is expected to return from his personal issues to play his first official game in the VFL this weekend. Meanwhile, Bomber Tom Edwards’ dream start to his AFL career has been derailed with a serious injury and Andrew Dillon says the AFL is “comfortable” in allowing Noah Balta to play before he’s sentenced in court.

  • Jake Niall and Scott Spits

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Zak Butters has not played this season but will be back from his knee injury shortly, and is in high demand for the years ahead.

This Port star is contracted until the end of 2026, but Victorian clubs are already circling

At 24, Zak Butters is coming into the prime of his career. Hawthorn, Richmond, Essendon and Collingwood are among the clubs keen to lure him back home to Victoria.

  • Sam McClure
Jake Stringer is enjoying life at GWS and ready for his first game for the club.

‘All of a sudden, it was a big issue’: Stringer explains Dons exit, denies links to crime figure

Slimmer and still smarting from his exit at Essendon, Jake Stringer opens up in an expansive interview with this masthead – touching on everything from the constant critiques, to his new life in Sydney.

  • Sam McClure
Bombers defender Ben McKay chalked up the 20th win of his career after a tough week.

‘Get around him’: McKernan calls for caution after Essendon fans turn on McKay

A dual premiership star has rushed to the defence of Ben McKay, after the much-maligned defender appeared to wear the wrath of Essendon fans despite a breakthrough win over Port Adelaide.

  • Peter Ryan and Jon Pierik
Can you hear that? Sam Draper enjoys his goal.

Bombers down Port after final term burst; Scott comes to McKay’s defence

Under-fire Essendon have delivered a stirring last-quarter comeback, including the final four goals of the game, to beat Port Adelaide by 12 points and claim their first win of the season.

  • Scott Spits
Bailey Smith.

Big names return: AFL experts’ tips and teams for round three

All the ins and outs for round three, and how the experts see it all playing out.

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Port Adelaide footballer Tom Cochrane (centre) is congratulated by teammates (L-R) Jack Whitlock, Benny Barrett, Joe Berry and Christian Moraes after the club named him to make his debut.

Footballer with Tourette syndrome to make AFL history; Bombers to debut El-Hawli; Reid’s punishment announced

Tom Cochrane, son of former Power player Stuart, will become the first player with Tourette syndrome to make his AFL debut. Meanwhile, Essendon have named attacking half-back Saad El-Hawli to make his debut on Thursday night.

  • Scott Spits, Roy Ward and Angus Delaney
Isaac Kako and Nate Caddy were close friends before they became Bombers. They’ve already shown glimpses of their star potential.

Bombers look to lock in young gun long term as red-and-black reset continues

Essendon are keen to offer an emerging star forward a long-term deal, while the in-form Hawks are facing a contract squeeze. Elsewhere, we look at some of the rising teens the Tasmania Devils will have access to.

  • Marc McGowan and Peter Ryan
Troubling times: Brad Scott and his Bombers have much to discuss heading into Thursday’s clash against Port Adelaide.

‘Looked like he wanted to punch me’: Scott defends struggling stars but loved response from young Don

As the pressure mounts only two games into the new season, Essendon coach Brad Scott has defended Dylan Shiel and Ben McKay, revealed a young gun needs surgery and explained why he was happy with Nate Caddy’s response to being subbed off against the Crows.

  • Jon Pierik
The Bombers’ defensive efforts against the Crows were poor.

Get defensive: The glass-half-empty view of the Bombers

Essendon gave up 25 goals to the Crows, lost by 10 goals and were defensively weak. Again. The same old problems re-emerged. Is there a glass-half-full way of looking at it?

  • Michael Gleeson

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/topic/essendon-bombers-5se