Merrett: I’ve had to stop being a ‘very selfish footballer’
Essendon captain Zach Merrett has opened up on juggling fatherhood with holding one of the most important roles at an AFL club and how he’s learning to embrace the challenges.
Essendon
Kako the Rising Star? Dons’ young guns fire in pre-season hitout
Essendon fans had resigned themselves to a long, painful season in 2025, but under Tuesday night lights in Geelong there was proof that there may be plenty to cheer for in some young stars.
Crow blow: Long-term target poised to snub Adelaide
Adelaide’s search for a long-term successor to Reilly O’Brien has hit a huge hurdle, with SA product Sam Draper determined to stay in Melbourne and ink a new Essendon deal.
Young Bombers give fans glimmer of hope
Isaac Kako and Nate Caddy have made an early statement for the Bombers, combining for seven goals in a pre-season win over Geelong.
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Dons’ dual half-back threat lights up match sim
Majority of Essendon’s best 23 had the chance to play together in match sim on Saturday as the battle for a list spot heated up. Get the latest intel.
Bombers VFL coach Dale Tapping loses battle with cancer
Essendon VFL and assistant coach Dale Tapping is being remembered as an outstanding coach at all levels of football after his death from cancer at age 59.
Jake who? Dons ready to leave Stringer reliance in past
Jake Stringer was the leading goalkicker in an inconsistent Bombers forward line last year. CHRIS CAVANAGH examines how the Dons’ attack will look without him.
‘Universally loved’: Bombers in mourning
A long-time AFL coach lost his cancer battle on Tuesday and has been universally praised for his impact on the game.
‘Kept me hungry’: Bryan hoping to form dynamic pairing with Draper
Nick Bryan turned his back on suiters to re-sign with Essendon, but has only been rewarded with 19 games in five years. Here’s how he hopes to work in tandem with Sam Draper in 2025.
Dons track watch: Opening Round hints, ruck roles, Tsatas stars
The Bombers took to the track on Saturday for some match simulation, revealing plenty of hints as to how they might shape up for Opening Round against the Suns. More here.
‘Gorgeous’: AFL WAG’s wedding dress stuns
A WAG has stunned in a dress with a dramatic thigh high split while walking down the aisle to her former AFL player partner.
Marvel Curse: The stadium that is Death Valley for flag hopes
No team that calls Marvel Stadium home has made the top four since 2010. JOSH BARNES dives into the alarming numbers, and what’s really behind them.
Track watch: Young Dons shine – but veteran upstages them all
Nate Caddy was lively and Archie Perkins found plenty of the ball – but in Friday’s four-quarter match-sim, Dylan Shiel was the one turning heads in a new role. Get all the intel here.
Essendon moves to safeguard superstar skipper from raiders
After a reported heavy push from rivals to lure Zach Merrett out of Essendon, the Bombers have moved swiftly to ensure their captain won’t be going anywhere soon.
Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/page/2