Essendon take on Hawthorn tomorrow night in Friday night footy, but what would a combined best 23 consisting of players from both teams look like?

Essendon will kick off their 2026 season against arch rivals Hawthorn, but can the baby Bombers cause an upset?

Essendon's season is about to kick off, but which players will be shaping the club's success in 2026, and who will need to perform off the back of pressure?

Essendon will be hoping to rise the ladder in 2026, after a disappointing season last year ruined by injuries, but will the Bombers be able to prove critics wrong and find success this year?

Essendon face the Hawks to start the 2026 AFL season, but which players will be involved for the round one clash?

*This was recorded before news of Angus Clarke's training injury*

Essendon were defeated by St.Kilda in the final practice match of 2026, but there were plenty of positives to take from the game, specifically from the young players involved, who are pushing their case to play round 1 against Hawthorn.

Essendon were defeated comfortably by St.Kilda in the final practice match of the 2026 pre-season, but was the performance a worrying one heading into the start of the regular footy?

Essendon will have one last hit out for 2026, an official practice match against St.Kilda, before turning attention to the home and away season.

Essendon's young core have made their move for a potential round 1 start against Hawthorn, after a string of impressive performances in the recent practice match.

Essendon smashed Richmond in the first unofficial match of 2026, but not all was positive in the practice demolition.