$2 million road to nowhere: Brutal reality of Dons’ civil war
Ben Rutten took the Bombers to finals in 2021, then was axed in 2022 as the regime changed at Essendon. Since, they’ve splashed the cash but the problems appear the same.
Essendon
‘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.
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.
Scott reveals AFL’s admission over controversial free kicks
Essendon coach Brad Scott has revealed what the AFL communicated to the Bombers after a number of costly umpiring calls on Saturday night. Plus why the league haven’t publicly clarified the decisions.
‘Pretty frustrating’: Caldwell says umpiring sapped Dons’ momentum
Jye Caldwell and Kyle Langford have spoken up about the ‘frustrating’ free kicks paid against Essendon on Saturday night which made Bombers fans livid.
Bombers hit by ‘unfortunate events’, says coach
Essendon coach Brad Scott responded firmly when asked to address a series of controversial umpiring decisions on Saturday night.
Please explain: Dons fans fume over controversial free kicks
Geelong claimed a crucial win to stop its slide, but there was only one true talking points at the MCG — the umpiring. SAM LANDSBERGER says the pressure will be on Laura Kane to explain a host of calls which had Bomber fans fuming.
The Dodoro trade steal fuelling Dons’ top-four assault
With Darcy Parish sidelined, Zach Merrett needed another sidekick to ignite Essendon’s finals push — enter Jye Caldwell. He speaks to DAN BATTEN about thriving as a Bomber.
How ruthless Dons can exploit Cats’ greatest vulnerability
Geelong has been smashed by 122 points in its last seven quarters and a key area where the Cats keep failing will leave them vulnerable against Essendon. JOSH BARNES breaks it down.
’Forgiveness sets you free’: Heppell holds no grudge over drugs saga
Dyson Heppell went through one of the darkest hours in Essendon’s history in 2016. He tells JAY CLARK he holds no grudges over the drugs saga.
AFL fans to face unprecedented finals tickets squeeze
With some of the AFL’s biggest clubs in the frame to go deep into September, there is set to be an unprecedented rush for tickets. JAY CLARK examines the steps fans will likely have to go to.
AFL called out for ‘unrealistic’ demands
Essendon coach Brad Scott reveals why he is pleased Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield has been freed to face his side.
Scott not focused on top four spot, embraces selection dilemmas
Brad Scott won’t be drawn on Essendon’s firming grasp on a top four spot, saying the ladder doesn’t have “any relevance” to the way Essendon is approaching its run home.
Freakish Fish: Salmon-mania and the fateful day everything changed
Forty years ago, Paul Salmon threatened to redefine Australian football as a giant goalkicker. He talks to SHANNON GILL about whirlwind stardom wrapped in tragedy, the moment it changed and its complex legacy.
Selection squeeze keeps coach wide awake
Several highly rated Essendon players could be forced out of the Bombers’ side against West Coast as a fleet of first-choice team members return from injury.
No guarantees for Bomber cult hero
With Essendon’s finals push set to step up a notch after the club’s bye, the Bombers coach is not sold on an immediate return for a key big man.
‘Another level’: Family news builds Bomber buzz
The little things count when you are trying to end a 20-year drought of finals wins and events across the bye could stir Essendon into action.
McGuane: Why Dons are giving fans false hope
Essendon has been sitting inside the top four for the better part of two months, but in his mid-season report card, MICK McGUANE unpacks why he thinks Bombers fans will be let down yet again.
‘Never seen’ numbers baffle Bombers coach
The raw numbers painted a concerning picture for Essendon coach Brad Scott as his team heads into the bye after back-to-back losses.
‘Never seen this’: Bombers’ bizarre implosion
Essendon has the footy world scratching its head with even coach Brad Scott flummoxed by one aspect of his team’s loss to Carlton.
Why Dons win underlines Blues’ growth – and flag credentials
This time last year, after losing to Essendon, Blues fans were calling for Michael Voss’ head. But Sunday night proved this Carlton side is different.
Brotherly shove? Inside the sibling showdown 10 years in the making
You could be forgiven for thinking the McKay brothers’ clash in the AFL would never happen. GLENN MCFARLANE chats to the McKay family about what makes Ben and Harry’s clash so anticipated.
Hate, passion, pride: Dons, Blues a rivalry footy needs
In the 1980s and 1990s there were few rivalries that could match the fervour of Essendon and Carlton. Two greats who played for both clubs detail what footy has been missing without the powerhouse clubs at the top.
Bombers father-son’s rare experience with his dad
His father won premierships at two clubs, but he is only eligible to join one as a father-son. And he had a unique opportunity during the pre-season with the Bombers.
AFL doubles down on rule change
After a serious spike in free kicks after a rules adjustment, the AFL has been praised for clearing things up with clubs.
Iconic football family set for reunion at Dons-Blues blockbuster
Essendon’s King’s Birthday Eve clash with the Blues looks set to grow every year, with 2024 to feature a heartwarming moment pre-game when one of footy’s most famous families reunites.
Revealed: Dons members emailed to distance club from Thomas
Brad Scott’s comments about Tarryn Thomas caused a stir among the AFL community, and questions from some Essendon members prompted an email response from the club to clarify its position. READ THE EMAIL HERE.
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