What is Essendon’s outlook for the 2026 AFL season? Essendon enters the 2026 AFL season with one of the youngest lists in the competition after debuting 15 players in 2025. Improvement will likely depend on regaining territory dominance, reducing turnovers and developing their young core.

Dare to believe or brace for disappointment? We examine the strongest arguments for and against Essendon contending in 2026, as the Bombers hit a critical crossroads.

A detailed breakdown of Essendon’s 2024 pick swap with Melbourne, how it reshaped both the 2024 and 2025 AFL Drafts, and the players the Bombers secured.