Essendon opens the 2026 AFL season against Hawthorn. We break down the key matchups, Hawthorn’s strengths and weaknesses, and the tactical areas where the Bombers can win in Round 1.

With one day to go  until Essendon opens the 2026 season against Hawthorn, Don The Stat  reaches the final entry in its guernsey countdown with one of the most significant numbers in the club’s history — Guernsey Number 1 . Jumper Number 1 has long been associated with stars and leaders  at Essendon, a number traditionally worn by players trusted with responsibility and influence. The story of Number 1 begins in 1911 , when guernsey numbers were first introduced for Essendon

With two days to go  until Essendon opens the 2026 season against Hawthorn, Don The Stat  continues its guernsey countdown with one of the club’s most enduring numbers — Guernsey Number 2 . The jumper has been worn consistently since numbers were introduced and has featured prominently across Essendon’s history. Guernsey Number 2 was first worn in 1911 , when jumper numbers were introduced during the finals series. The first Bomber to wear the number was Bill Busbridge , who