See all the major highlights from Essendon’s past week.
Dons secure big win in the West
Essendon worked their way to a 50-point victory over West Coast on Saturday, in a performance hailed as “professional” by Senior Coach Brad Scott.
It was Essendon’s biggest away win over the Eagles since 2001, placing them with a 6-5 record ahead of the upcoming clash with North Melbourne this Sunday.
Jaiden Hunter becomes a Don
With the ninth pick on Wednesday night’s AFL mid-season draft, Essendon selected Jaiden Hunter from Perth in the WAFL.
The 196cm key forward had an emotional reaction to joining the club, after initially missing out on selection in his 2020 draft year and fighting through injury troubles to earn his AFL chance.
Injury update: Tsatas back in action, Wright closing in
In exciting news, prized draftee Elijah Tsatas is available for selection this weekend, having recovered from his meniscus injury in the pre-season. Tsatas will take his place in Essendon’s VFL team for his first outing in the red and black.
Jake Kelly and Dylan Shiel will also be deemed fit this week in their returns from concussion and ankle issues respectively – Shiel will rejoin the AFL side, whilst Kelly will return through the VFL.
Tall forward Peter Wright is also edging closer to a return from his shoulder injury sustained on the eve of round one, having fully trained this week.
The Davey twins join One on One
In this week’s preview of the One on One podcast, brothers Jayden Davey and Alwyn Davey Jnr joined Andy McGrath to discuss their journeys into the AFL.
Jayden discusses the mental pressure he faced after suffering a season-ending knee injury last year, as well as Alwyn’s support through a difficult period.
Hall of Fame preparations begin
The Bombers announced this week that four new names will join the EFC Hall of Fame in 2023, as well as the elevation of two existing members to Legend status.
Champions Darren Bewick, Mark Mercuri, Ted Fordham, and the late Bill Brittingham will be inducted as new members this year, with John Birt and Barry Capuano now officially regarded as Legends of Essendon.
Information on ticketing for our upcoming HOF + 1993 Premiership Reunion event can be found here.
VFLW return to winning ways
A successful away outing saw the VFLW Dons claim a 42-8 victory over Darebin in trying conditions last Sunday, lifting them to fourth on the ladder.
The team will look to build on the result as the home-and-away season reaches the business end, starting with a matchup against North Melbourne at the NEC Hangar this Sunday at 11am.
