Revealed: Dons, Suns hold power in AFL trading’s new era
Critics of Essendon’s pick nine trade with Melbourne — prepare to eat humble pie. As JOSH BARNES reports, the Bombers are set to wield a powerful hand in 2025. And, they’re not alone.
Essendon
Broke playing AFL: The day Mal Michael almost quit Pies
The average AFL wage is more than $400,000 — but footy wasn’t always so glamorous. Mal Michael tells the SACKED podcast about living on $250 a week and the meeting which stopped him quitting football.
‘Absolute blunder’: Essendon’s ‘staggering’ draft move smashed
The Bombers had a relatively quiet trade period by their standards, instead focusing on Isaac Kako. But after securing the small forward, their method has been whacked by a draft expert.
Track watch: Beefed-up Martin sets standard for Dons
Essendon’s new mantra was clear during an early pre-season session on Friday. JOSH BARNES brings you all the key track notes from Tullamarine.
More Stories
Lucky 13? How Suns can unlock Trade Period — again
Gold Coast holds the keys to another AFL Trade Period as the opening day of official dealing approaches, with its first-round pick set to shape the fates of several clubs — and key players.
Trade latest: Daniel keeps Roos, Dogs waiting
North Melbourne and Western Bulldogs will likely enter trade period without Caleb Daniel declaring whether he wants to be traded to Arden St. JAY CLARK has the latest.
Giants confirm Stringer talks amid contract stand-off
GWS football boss Jason McCarthy has confirmed the club has held talks over a move for Jake Stringer, with the Essendon forward’s football future in limbo heading into the trade period.
Hird reunion? VFL club chasing fellow ex-Essendon skipper
Will Dyson Heppell join James Hird and Brendan McCartney at VFL club Port Melbourne? The Borough are making a big play for the former Bombers skipper and another massive Essendon figure has quietly joined.
Bombers president’s stern warning to Dons’ stars after latest fade out
It was another disappointing season that started so brightly at Essendon this year. And president David Barham has delivered a pointed message to his players. Get on board, or else.
‘Extraordinary money’ Pies, Port are offering Giants flanker
Harry Perryman has one top-three finish in a best-and-fairest – four years ago. That hasn’t stopped a bidding war reaching crazy levels. LATEST TRADE BUZZ
Mir, MSO and Milne the Bomber: 25 years since the last reserves GF
The Bombers are best known in 2024 as the team who can’t win a final, but in 1999, there was no such issue. And that included the last ever reserves premiership. We take a look back at where that team is now.
Angry Essendon members to turn away over steep price rises
Essendon fans are not happy with an increase in price of over $100 on select memberships. The Bombers are defending the decision despite the consequence of losing members.
‘Flexibility’ behind Bombers’ contract call
Essendon will go into a third season under Brad Scott with its best ruck mix still unclear, but a veteran is “excited” by the possibilities.
‘Underworld’ figures inside AFL clubrooms
The AFL has reportedly warned Essendon over figures seen inside the team’s dressing room with Eddie McGuire making a public plea.
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