‘First step’: Fan favourite’s AFL return closer
It’s taken Michael Hurley two years to get back to football and an AFL return is his next mountain to climb.
Essendon
Robbo: Hurley’s a lion playing for more than pride
The next month will determine whether one of Essendon’s favourite sons can make the most remarkable of returns to football, writes Mark Robinson.
More than one moment behind heartbreaking loss
One minute of madness cost Essendon a win against Collingwood, but coach Ben Rutten says there was a lot more to unpack.
‘Kill the ball’: Bomber’s last-minute regret
Kyle Langford has explained his role as one of two Essendon players who couldn’t spoil Jamie Elliot before his matchwinning goal.
Lethal slams Gill over Ginnivan call that rips at ‘fabric of the game’
A “sick” Leigh Matthews has taken aim at the AFL and Gillon McLachlan over the state of the game in the wake of the Jack Ginnivan high tackle controversy — and he hasn’t missed.
‘Be better’: Bombers reeling from mistakes in loss
Tight games need players to make the right decisions in big moments and Essendon players failed on Sunday.
Pies v Bombers: Who has the best kids under 23?
On one side is Ridley, Zerk-Thatcher, Cox, Perkins and Jones. On the other is Daicos x 2, Quaynor, Lipinski and Ginnivan. Who are you taking?
‘Absurd’ moment sends AFL into a frenzy
Essendon ruckman Sam Draper has pulled off a late contender for goal of the year during Sunday’s victory over the Gold Coast Suns.
Storm erupts over ‘really interesting’ call
There has been high drama in the dying seconds of Essendon’s nail-biting win over Brisbane, overshadowing a new-look Bombers outfit.
Robbo: Glaring problem with clumsy Bombers review
Essendon said initially that its review was going to be undertaken by Kevin Sheedy and Simon Madden — but that’s not the case now.
Depleted Lions concede favouritism to Bombers
The Lions haven’t lost at the Gabba this season and are well ahead of Essendon on the ladder, but Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says the travelling Bombers are favourites to beat the Lions this weekend.
Andrews joins list of Brisbane casualties
Star defender Harris Andrews is the latest Brisbane Lions player ruled out of Sunday’s clash against Essendon.
‘Clarko’ speculation not a distraction: Rutten
Ben Rutten has steered Essendon to two much-needed wins in the past three weeks and remains focused on the job despite mounting Alastair Clarkson speculation.
Seven Lions ruled out
The Brisbane Lions’ depth will be tested when they host Essendon at the Gabba on Sunday.
Lions star ‘on edge’ in tight race
Brisbane Lions star Hugh McCluggage is pleased to be feeling a little bit edgy as the AFL enters its business end of the season.
Ex-AFL executive Ray Gunston, father of Hawk Jack, dies
The football world is in mourning after the sudden death of long-time AFL administrator and interim Essendon boss Ray Gunston.
Rising Star ladder: Which clubs can’t buy a nomination?
Who is missing a Rising Star nomination in 2022? And what is the biggest snub of all? See all the important stats for this year’s crop.
‘There’s an art to it’: Bombers coach on Stringer
Coaching Jake Stringer isn’t always easy but Ben Rutten was glowing about the star forward’s impact in crunch time against the Swans.
Classy act after AFL star’s milestone ruined
Luke Parker’s taunt on Dylan Shiel was the talk of the AFL but the Swans star put that to bed after the Bombers caused a boilover.
Blue steps away from AFL after personal leave
A Blues defender took a leave of absence a month ago. Now the club and him have parted ways.
McGuane: Is Caracella still the answer for Bombers midfield?
Essendon’s midfield is floundering and the Bombers have a former Brisbane engine-room guru coaching forwards, so, Mick McGuane asks, is Blake Caracella still the answer?
‘Typified our performance’: Rutten on Swan’s sledge
Star Swan Luke Parker mocked Dylan Shiel and the Bombers when the sides last met and it hasn’t been forgotten at Tullamarine.
Ladder Predictor: The four clubs fighting for eighth
The race for eighth has never been hotter. Who will get the all-important final spot in the finals? See our ladder predictor to find out.
How son of gun has bloomed since controversial post
Thirteen months ago a Facebook post questioning the Bulldogs’ management of a club great’s son caused quite a commotion. But that seems a lifetime ago now he’s firing on all cylinders.
335-day unwanted AFL streak is finally over
West Coast fans can rejoice after the Eagles finally broke their mega losing streak and snapped a 335-day drought.
AFL legend’s surprising snub says it all
Darcy Parish had a standout game in the traditional Anzac Day AFL game, but he was surprisingly snubbed by an Essendon legend.
McRae’s bold declaration as thrilling Pies dare to dream
Rookie coach Craig McRae’s decisive second-half moves helped launch Collingwood back into the top eight — and he’s talking tough as the Pies plan to stay there.
Footy star booed in disgusting moment
Collingwood rising star Jack Ginnivan was given a brutal reception during an ugly end to a blockbuster Anzac Day game.
Big warning to fans heading to Anzac Day clash
Footy fans hoping to get through the gates to watch the Anzac Day blockbuster at the MCG have been issued a serious warning amid a concerning trend.
‘Selfish’: AFL stars’ ‘disgraceful’ acts exposed
Two senior Essendon players have been slammed for plays that have been labelled completely disgraceful and disrespectful.
‘We won’t sulk and cry’: Heppell fires back at criticism
Under-fire Essendon was slammed for socialising with the Dockers after their weekend beating, but the Bombers’ captain has fired back, saying win or lose, he refuses to be a “bad sport”.
AFL legend infuriated by post-loss images
Everything’s going wrong for Essendon in 2022 and the Bombers are even copping stick for what happens on the field after full-time.
Damning vision exposes ‘dawdling’ Bombers
An Essendon star has been slammed by AFL greats Garry Lyon and Nick Riewoldt after being exposed by damning vision.
AFL flops are embarrassing themselves
Essendon fans are being forced to watch some abysmal football as the critics dropped some truth bombs after yet another grim defeat.
Big-name Bombers weren’t up for midfield fight
Fremantle threw down the gauntlet to Essendon in the second half on Sunday and Ben Rutten said the Bombers just weren’t up for the fight – especially in the middle.
Malthouse: Carlton’s issue is a lack of leadership
Last year the Blues fell away badly when Patrick Cripps was out. Now we find out if anything has changed. Plus, Mick Malthouse looks at Essendon’s issues.
Bumper AFL draft class delivers another debut
Three more players selected in the first round of last year’s AFL draft will make their senior debut in round 5.
Star Bomber out for another week
The Bombers are hoping to notch their second win of the season when they meet Fremantle, but they’ll have to do it without Jake Stringer.
Not even booed Tex can temper Dons, but there’s a problem
Essendon has shaken off a determined Adelaide outfit including Taylor Walker, who stirred up a hostile crowd, but caretaker coach Blake Caracella says the Bombers have a pressing issue.
Round 4 tips: Our AFL experts nail the winners
Can Carlton go 4-0? Robbo believes the Suns can buck the Blues’ trend and cause a big upset. Here’s where our tipsters are putting their faith in round four.
Another coach sidelined amid Covid chaos
Essendon’s hopes of finally getting a win this season have taken a hit with news coach Ben Rutten won’t be at Marvel Stadium on game day.
Goodwin: Undefeated Demons only getting better
The Demons have a dillemna ahead of next week’s match against Port Adelaide with an embarrassment of riches available for the match committee to select from.
AFL legend’s reaction to son is ‘everything’
An AFL legend’s beautiful reaction to his son’s first ever goal in the big leagues has melted the hearts of footy fans everywhere.
McGuane: Time for McGrath to live up to No.1 tag
As Essendon slumped to its worst start to a season in 55 years, these are players analyst Mick McGuane says Ben Rutten desperately needs more from.
Lyon: AFL would block Hird’s coaching return
Former coach Ross Lyon says the AFL would likely block any attempt from James Hird to coach again despite his return to football at GWS.
Pressure fail: Who are Essendon’s worst offenders?
Devon Smith used to be a one-man tackling machine. This year he has barely laid any, and he’s not the only Bomber with numbers a stats guru says are ‘not AFL standard’.
Lloyd reveals shock Bombers bid to woo him out of retirement
Matthew Lloyd retired at 31, needing just 74 goals to reach the 1000-goal milestone Buddy Franklin achieved this week at 35.
Lloyd takes aim at Bombers’ Wanganeen call
The first game of the son of a Bombers legend should have been a magic moment for Tex Wanganeen and Essendon fans. It was anything but, and Matthew Lloyd isn’t happy.
‘Should be illegal’: AFL erupts over cruel farce
The medical substitution rule was introduced by the AFL to resolve an injury crisis, but instead its created a new dilemma for coaches.
Footy star’s ‘meltdown’ can’t be explained
Essendon defender James Stewart gifted his opponents a goal during Saturday afternoon’s contest following an baffling “brain fade”.
Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/page/11