With Essendon’s first practice match a day away, we bring in the best training watcher in the business, Rick Edwards, to break down everything we’ve learned from the 2026 pre-season.

From role changes and standout performers to new recruits and Round 1 prospects, this is your most comprehensive look yet at how the Bombers are shaping up.

We cover:

• How this pre-season compares to 2025
• The evolving game plan
• Xavier Duursma’s shift to half forward
• Archie Roberts’ midfield exposure
• Brayden Fiorini’s leadership impact
• Updates on Robey, Farrow, Sharp, Kondogiannis & El-Achkar
• Concerns, question marks and what still needs work
• And yes… the latest nomination for the Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award (#DBLAA)

Balanced. Informed. No fluff.

If you want to know what’s actually happening at The Hangar, this is the episode.

🔗 Rick’s Patreon link - https://www.patreon.com/cw/RickEdwards
🔴⚫ Don The Stat Patreon Q&A next week

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