BIG questions ‘exposed’ Dons must answer tonight
The Bombers must make Richmond feel the brunt of their response to a deplorable performance against the Bulldogs, writes Mick McGuane. And it starts right at the coalface.
Essendon
The Daniher effect: Question no Essendon fan wants to ask
Zach Merrett is going to be remembered as one of Essendon’s greatest players of the modern era. But as Garry Lyon writes, it would be “entirely reasonable” if he wanted to finish his AFL career elsewhere.
Email reveals AFL failed to act on Indigenous decline warnings
The AFL was warned almost four years ago. Now — as Jade Gresham races the fitness clock — the Bombers may not field an Indigenous player in its Dreamtime clash for the first time ever.
AFL great blindsided by bombshell comeback
Former Essendon coach James Hird says he “nearly fell off the couch” when he saw a report about bringing him back as coach.
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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.
‘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.
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