A gruelling two-hour training session on Thursday morning marked Essendon's official return to pre-season following their Christmas break.

The Bombers opened their first session of the calendar year with a competitive two-kilometre time trial in the hot Melbourne conditions, with youngster Angus Clarke again fastest to the line ahead of Nic Martin, Jye Menzie, Kyle Langford, and second-year forward Nate Caddy in fifth.

Repeat efforts and frequent one-on-one contests were prominent throughout the main skills session, which also incorporated elements of full-ground ball movement and scenario-based transition play.

Training: Thursday, January 9

Bombers return to training for the first time in 2025.
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Among the full squad back in training was experienced midfielder Darcy Parish, who's keen to hit the ground running in 2025 after an injury-interrupted campaign.

The 27-year-old chatted to essendonfc.com.au after the session.

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Pre-season | Darcy Parish interview

We chat with midfielder Darcy Parish for an update on his pre-season and how the players are feeling ahead of round one.

The Bombers will host a snap & sign open training session at the NEC Hangar next Tuesday from 10am AEDT.