Essendon Bombers
Analysis
AFL 2023
Blues and Giants surging as woes deepen for Cats, Dons and Dogs: Key takeouts from round 20
Dismiss your doubts about Carlton and GWS; their return to form is real. But the same can’t be said for reigning premier Geelong, who dropped a game at home and now have significant injury concerns.
Latest
Swans hold off fast-finishing Bombers, but Buddy injury sours triumph
Essendon’s finals aspirations have taken another big hit after their stirring fightback ended in a two-point loss to Sydney, who will sweat on Lance Franklin’s future after the star veteran injured his calf.
- by Andrew Wu
As it happened: Swans hold off charging Bombers to secure victory; Walker headlines Crows victory over Power; Buddy subbed off with calf injury
Follow live scores for Saturday’s matches, plus in depth coverage for the evening games.
- by Marnie Vinall
Why Draper’s absence has the Bombers in a tailspin
Yes, Essendon have played good teams in that time that they might have lost to even with Sam Draper in the side – think Geelong in Geelong – but they might also have won more.
- by Michael Gleeson
AFL Briefing
AFL 2023
Redman was ready to walk 12 months ago; McRae declares Mitchell ‘integral’; King nears a stunning return
Re-signed Bomber Mason Redman was prepared to walk out on Essendon 12 months ago; Craig McRae has doubled down in his support of Tom Mitchell; and Max King is making incredible progress from his shoulder injury.
- by Michael Gleeson, Damien Ractliffe and Jon Pierik
The Scoop: Uproar as coach Matthew Lloyd sends a tagger to Jagga
If you haven’t heard of teenager Jagga Smith by now, write the name down. You’re going to get used to it.
- by Sam McClure
Essendon meet Ben McKay as North’s restricted free agent considers his future
North Melbourne’s restricted free agent Ben McKay is a player Essendon are interested in to bolster their defence.
- by Peter Ryan
Money Talks
AFL 2023
Cashed-up Bombers switch focus to free agent Parish
Mason Redman’s decision to resist the temptation of returning to South Australia and recommit at Essendon leaves fellow restricted free agent Darcy Parish as the Bombers’ top re-signing priority.
- by Marc McGowan
AFL Briefing
AFL 2023
Rioli’s ban downgraded; Redman stays in the red and black; ‘Tex’ to go again for Crows
Willie Rioli will miss the Showdown. Also in AFL Briefing, defender Mason Redman will stay at Essendon until at least 2028; and Adelaide has secured in-form forward Taylor Walker for a 17th season.Â
- by Carla Jaeger and Jon Pierik
AFL Briefing
AFL 2023
Bruised lung for Hill, Dons lose Ridley; Walsh out with hamstring
St Kilda star Bradley Hill will miss Sunday’s clash against Hawthorn because of a bruised lung, while Essendon must continue their battle for a finals spot without Jordan Ridley.
- by Jon Pierik and Marnie Vinall
As it happened AFL 2023 round 19: ‘We can’t relax at all’: Bontempelli calls on Bulldogs to push onto a finals spot after win over Bombers
Follow along for all the major moments and post game reactions as the Bulldogs and Bombers face off at Marvel Stadium.
- by Roy Ward