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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Ralph: False dawns or not, time for Dons fans to accept reality
The Bombers know they won’t win the premiership this year, writes JON RALPH. But they can setup a future that not only ends the dreaded finals drought, but wins a flag too.
Bombers’ bid to help unearth next Kako, Prespakis in local area
Essendon has strengthened its connection its bid to a local footy competition in a move which it hopes help find more young guns from Melbourne’s northwest. See the details.
Hird: Essendon 34 has to be envious of WADA’s Sinner debacle
WADA determined Jannik Sinner didn’t try and cheat despite testing positive to a banned substance. Neither did the Essendon 34, and they didn’t test positive at all. Allan Hird writes, it’s time for change.
Every Bomber rated: Sole A-grader tells damning tale
Essendon fell away from finals contention late last season and then traded away Jake Stringer. So where does this list really sit? Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane rate and rank every player.
New-look midfields give Dogs, Dons look at the future
Two high draft picks with high raps on them both spent plenty of time at centre bounces as the Dogs and Dons both unveiled new midfield looks. See who was in the guts for each side.
Forgotten no more: Key change has young Bomber ready to soar
At the end of 2023, Essendon’s review ticked off the young talent on its list. Now, a forgotten young star could finally have the tools to show why the Dons picked him instead of Mattaes Phillipou.
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.
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