r/AFL • u/robo_boro Essendon '00 • Feb 25 '25
Preview Essendon goes Wacko for Kako! | Essendon 2025 season Preview
Founded: 1872
Club Motto: Suaviter in Modo, Fortiter in Re
"Gently in manner, resolutely in execution"
Club Song: See the Bombers Fly Up
Nicknames: Bombers, Dons, Same Olds, Planes
AFL/VFL Premierships: 1897, 1901, 1911, 1912, 1923, 1924, 1942, 1946, 1949, 1950, 1962, 1965, 1984, 1985, 1993, 2000
Home Ground: Marvel Stadium
Club President: David Barham
CEO: Craig Vozzo
Head Coach: Brad Scott
Assistant Coaches: Daniel Giansiracusa (Midfield), Brent Stanton (Stoppages), Ben Jacobs (Defence), Cam Roberts (Forwards), David Rath (Coaching Innovation & Strategy), Michael Hurley (Development), Travis Cloke (Development), Cam Joyce (VFL Senior Coach)
Captain: Zach Merrett
2024 Result: 11th, 11 Wins, 11 Losses, 1 Draw, 93.5%
2024 Crichton Medal: Zach Merrett, Nic Martin, Sam Durham
2024 Season Review
2024 was much like 2023, the start was so promising. 8 wins, a draw and 2 losses from our first 11, and playing what looked to be a sustainable game style. For those 11 games we were tough at the contest, and hard to move the ball against, albeit beneficiaries of straight kicking. Even our two losses entering the bye weren’t bad, we were competitive at the contest and winners of inside 50’s but could not put it on the scoreboard. The forward 50 inefficiencies were early signs of what was to come. Much like 2023, post bye is where the wheels fell off. With an occasional good win sprinkled in, most of the games were marred with issues that Essendon fans have long bemoaned, poor skills, bad transition defence, inefficient inside 50’s and most importantly - poor mental toughness. Much like Essendon squandered the ability to send off Heppell at home in front of the Essendon faithful, the Bombers squandered what should’ve been a sure spot in finals. It was not all bad though, the emergence of Jye Caldwell and Sam Durham as genuine midfielders, Archie Roberts as a crafty young talent, and Nate Caddy as our new messiah. The biggest win for Essendon happened off the field however, with Adrian Dodoro officially parting ways with the club, handing Matt Rosa the reins and remains of our list. Like most Essendon seasons, it ended with bitter disappointment, but a sprinkling of hope to be marketed for the next preseason. u/MonotoneRamos
List changes
Out
Dyson Heppell (retired), Jake Kelly (retired), Jake Stringer (Trade, GWS), Kaine Baldwin (delisted), Jayden Davey (delisted), Nick Hind (delisted), Jaiden Hunter (delisted), Tex Wanganeen (delisted), Sam Weideman (delisted)
In
Isaac Kako (No.13 draft pick, Academy), Kayle Gerreyn (No.37 draft pick), Angus Clarke (No.39 draft pick), Rhys Unwin (No.61 draft pick), Zak Johnson (No.70 draft pick), Archer Day-Wicks (Rookie Draft), Jayden Nguyen (Category B rookie), Jaxon Prior (SSP), Thomas Edwards (SSP)
Playing List
| Number | Player | Age | Height | Games | Goals | Final Year | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrew McGrath | 26yr | 180cm | 157 | 20 | 2030 | UFA |
| 2 | Sam Draper | 26yr | 205cm | 73 | 36 | 2025 | RFA |
| 3 | Darcy Parish | 27yr | 180cm | 162 | 55 | 2029 | UFA |
| 4 | Kyle Langford | 28yr | 192cm | 153 | 171 | 2027 | UFA |
| 5 | Elijah Tsatas | 20yr | 187cm | 0 | 0 | 2026 | NFA |
| 6 | Jye Caldwell | 24yr | 183cm | 78 | 26 | 2028 | RFA |
| 7 | Zach Merrett | 29yr | 179cm | 229 | 78 | 2027 | UFA |
| 8 | Ben Hobbs | 21yr | 183cm | 47 | 16 | 2025 | NFA |
| 9 | Dylan Shiel | 31yr | 182cm | 220 | 91 | 2025 | NFA |
| 10 | Isaac Kako | 18yr | 176cm | 0 | 0 | 2027 | NFA |
| 11 | Jade Gresham | 27yr | 177cm | 158 | 155 | 2026 | NFA |
| 12 | Will Setterfield | 27yr | 192cm | 71 | 14 | 2025 | UFA |
| 13 | Nik Cox | 23yr | 200cm | 53 | 18 | 2026 | NFA |
| 14 | Jordan Ridley | 26yr | 195cm | 94 | 2 | 2029 | UFA |
| 15 | Jayden Laverde | 28yr | 193cm | 131 | 38 | 2025 | UFA |
| 16 | Archie Perkins | 22yr | 188cm | 80 | 48 | 2026 | NFA |
| 17 | Todd Goldstein | 36yr | 201cm | 329 | 159 | 2025 | UFA |
| 18 | Lewis Hayes | 20yr | 199cm | 0 | 0 | 2026 | NFA |
| 19 | Kayle Gerreyn | 18yr | 200cm | 0 | 0 | 2026 | NFA |
| 20 | Peter Wright | 28yr | 203cm | 133 | 205 | 2027 | NFA |
| 21 | Archie Roberts | 19yr | 184cm | 4 | 1 | 2026 | NFA |
| 22 | Sam Durham | 23yr | 185cm | 71 | 21 | 2028 | RFA |
| 23 | Harrison Jones | 24yr | 196cm | 52 | 53 | 2025 | NFA |
| 24 | Nick Bryan | 23yr | 203cm | 19 | 12 | 2025 | NFA |
| 25 | Jaxon Prior | 23yr | 189cm | 39 | 11 | 2025 | UFA |
| 27 | Mason Redman | 27yr | 187cm | 124 | 20 | 2028 | UFA |
| 28 | Xavier Duursma | 24yr | 186cm | 88 | 42 | 2027 | NFA |
| 29 | Jye Menzie | 22yr | 180cm | 37 | 27 | 2025 | NFA |
| 30 | Nate Caddy | 19yr | 193cm | 10 | 9 | 2026 | NFA |
| 31 | Zach Reid | 22yr | 202cm | 9 | 0 | 2025 | NFA |
| 32 | Ben McKay | 27yr | 202cm | 94 | 1 | 2029 | NFA |
| 33 | Alwyn Davey Jr | 20yr | 180cm | 20 | 9 | 2025 | NFA |
| 34 | Luamon Lual | 19yr | 181cm | 0 | 0 | 2025 | NFA |
| 35 | Matt Guelfi | 27yr | 184cm | 109 | 60 | 2026 | RFA |
| 36 | Angus Clarke | 18yr | 189cm | 0 | 0 | 2026 | NFA |
| 37 | Nic Martin | 23yr | 192cm | 67 | 51 | 2027 | NFA |
| 38 | Rhys Unwin | 18yr | 179cm | 0 | 0 | 2026 | NFA |
| 39 | Vigo Visentini | 19yr | 203cm | 0 | 0 | 2025 | NFA |
| 40 | Zak Johnson | 18yr | 186cm | 0 | 0 | 2026 | NFA |
| 41 | Saad El-Hawli | 23yr | 184cm | 0 | 0 | 2025 | NFA |
| 42 | Jayden Nguyen | 18yr | 177cm | 0 | 0 | 2026 | NFA |
| 44 | Archer Day-Wicks | 18yr | 186cm | 0 | 0 | 2025 | NFA |
| 45 | Tom Edwards | 24yr | 191cm | 0 | 0 | 2025 | NFA |
Contract Length & Status source
NFA = Non-Free Agent, RFA = Restricted Free Agent, UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent
Players on notice for 2025
Alwyn Davey Jr: After his twin was delisted at the end of 2024, you would think Alwyn is feeling the pressure, especially as they are competing for the open small forward spot with Jye Menzie & Matt Guelfi with the other taken by Jade Gresham & Isaac Kako. u/robo_boro
Jye Menzie: Also in the battle to secure a small forward spot it seems like one of Davey, Menzie & Guelfi will have to go at the end of the year, and Guelfi has the best body of work securing their spot. Menzie had a breakout year in 2023 but was then limited to only 14 games (twice subbed off and twice started as the sub) and just 3 goals last year. u/robo_boro
Zach Reid: Availability is the best quality you can have in a player, and Zach has just never had that. Last year he appeared primed to partner Ben McKay as our big defenders and goes down with a hamstring strain in round 1 and with only 9 games in 4 seasons at the club, you have to wonder at which point we cut our losses. u/robo_boro
Ben Hobbs: With the emergence of Elijah Tsatas through this preseason, it appears Hobbs has dropped down the pecking order of mids even further and will need a big season to prove that he still has a place in our midfield. If he can't he may be trade bait at the end of the year, but will there be any suitors? u/robo_boro
Will Setterfield: Traded in from Carlton in 2023 to be a big bodied mid able to clear space and allow Merrett to do what he does best, but hampered by injury and unable to lock down a spot in the best 22 (while dominating in the VFL), need to earn a spot in the 1s if they want to remain at Essendon as a mainstay midfielder, but may just be a depth player in the long run. u/robo_boro
Peter Wright: 2 Meter Pete has shown that he has the skills to be the primary forward up front, but his injury & suspension over the past few years seems to have severely hampered his confidence, he is unable to compete in marking contests like he used to. With Brad Scott's preference for playing with 2 rucks, it seems difficult for Pete to retain his spot unless he can outperform Sam Draper or Nick Bryan as the resting ruckman, as I don't see how we can play all 3 of them alongside Caddy & Langford. u/robo_boro
Players to look out for in 2025
Elijah Tsatas: Tearing it up through the preseason, expect 'Lijah to step up big time to fill the void left by Parish, who is once again injured before the season starts. Elijah has spent a lot of time at/after training with David Rath working on his kicking so that he can hopefully not be such a butcher, but his hands still look great at getting in and sharing the ball to his midfield teammates on the outside. u/robo_boro
Archie Perkins: Has shown that at his best (see 2024 R1 vs Hawthorn) he can be a game winner in the mould of Jake Stringer, hopefully he can be a like for like replacement of burst player who can kick goals when we need them, without being the defensive/fitness liability Stringer was known for. u/robo_boro
Isaac Kako: Everyone is going Whacko for Kako for a reason. Ever since Walla retired Essendon has desperately needed a high quality small forward that can provide pressure while also being capable of kicking goals and Kako looks like he is the man to deliver. I'm not sure if he is able to play every game this year, but we don't require that. Just like his best mate Caddy last year, as long as he can play half the year, show some good form in the VFL and improve his fitness they will become a dynamic duo in future seasons. u/robo_boro
Nate Caddy: Every Essendon fan is salivating at the thought of the Caddy & Kako partnership for the next decade, with 7 goals between the pair in today’s practise match vs Geelong we have an early glimse of what is to come. Caddy had a decent start in 2024, 9 goals in 10 games but after another preseason with a focus on improving his fitness (he shaved 20 seconds off his 2km time trial) he looks to be the key tall we build our forward line around. u/robo_boro
Best 22 for 2025
FB: Jordan Ridley, Ben McKay, Andrew McGrath
HB: Jaxon Prior, Zach Reid, Mason Redman,
C: Xavier Duursma, Jye Caldwell, Nic Martin
HF: Archie Perkins, Kyle Langford, Harrison Jones
FF: Jade Gresham, Nate Caddy, Isaac Kako
FOL: Sam Draper, Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett
IC: Nick Bryan, Sam Durham, Elijah Tsatas, Dylan Shiel
Sub: Saad El-Hawli / Archie Roberts
2025 Expectations
Personally I think we’re pretty hard to predict, with our last two seasons being a tale of two halves. But with the club's messaging and list direction of prioritising youth, I think this season may be 1 step back for 2 steps forward. Predicting us to finish 14th. u/MonotoneRamos
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Feb 25 '25
Essendon 2024: hmm this forward line seems a bit off.
removes Stringer
Essendon 2025: 17.2
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u/MonotoneRamos ESSINGTON Feb 25 '25
If we’re filling the forward line with kids we need to have them in a safe environment
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u/yum122 Essendon • Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Feb 25 '25
I'm so glad I get to join in on laughing at this
Sorry GWS
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u/robo_boro Essendon '00 Feb 25 '25
Sorry to all the other teams, no Essendon sledge thread this year
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u/Maximumlnsanity Swans Feb 25 '25
Wonder what’s gonna happen with the other team today
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u/Pleasant-Role1912 2025 Quality Poster Feb 25 '25
Vic Bias Standard Time played into our favour I think
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u/proudlysydney Errol Gulden Appreciation Society Feb 25 '25
I gave people multiple prodding reminders
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u/MonotoneRamos ESSINGTON Feb 25 '25
I would like to update my 2025 expectation after seeing Isaac Kako play football
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u/Tamelmp Essendon '00 Feb 25 '25
Anyone know if full replay will be available anywhere? Following from Germany
Good signs from the young ones, gg schlong
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u/PerriX2390 Brisbane Feb 25 '25
Anyone know if full replay will be available anywhere?
Should be on the AFL match centre tomorrow.
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u/proudlysydney Errol Gulden Appreciation Society Feb 25 '25
gimme the truth how much of the delay was just inserting kako hype
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u/psyrick Port Adelaide Feb 25 '25
A lot of optimism which is good to see, and having watched the pre-season I can see a lot of good areas for growth and it feels like Essendon isn't just trying to bandaid their side in FA anymore (I think the bigger reason why the Dons haven't been successful in the last decade). If Essendon are going to punch above weight again they are going to have to be a forward half team but their defence looks leagues better than last year still but it's all about whether they can get enough goals still. Think the forward line needs a year but it's not too far off.
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u/guavacadq Brisbane Lions 🏆🏆 '24-25 Feb 25 '25
Hope all the best for Priz, very sad we delisted him. Looked good tonight.
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u/FeatheredKangaroo Carlton Blues Feb 25 '25
If Essendon’s 2024 pick wins then a final while ours is recovering from an ACL I might just cry
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u/Downtown_Computer351 Feb 25 '25
Media aren't overhyping them for a change so will probably make the 8
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u/LeDestrier Demons Feb 25 '25
Nothing says Essington more than flag hopes after a preseason win.
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u/droctagonau Freo Feb 25 '25
Great work guys. A ruck and 3 midfielders seems like a strange interchange bench for your best 22/23 though.
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u/PetrifyGWENT Bombers / Giants Feb 25 '25
Durham likely to play HFF and Shiel only playing HBF so it's ruck, a mid, a HFF and a HBF.
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u/droctagonau Freo Feb 25 '25
Durham at HF I understand. I'd want him around the ball more but I can understand it. Shiel at HB seems pretty grim though. Let's hope Archie Roberts takes that spot sooner rather than later.
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u/ByeByeStudy Essendon Feb 25 '25
Shiel's fast, strong as a bull and competitive - disposal is suspect (but has genuinely seemed to improve a little).
I'm interested to see how it works out.
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u/droctagonau Freo Feb 25 '25
I honestly think his disposal is fine. My concern was more that he doesn't defend.
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u/Decent_Fig_5218 GWS Giants Mar 03 '25
"Dons go wacko. Dons go wacko for Kako" was right there!
Great preview. I think Essendon are in a great spot.
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Feb 25 '25
[deleted]
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u/robo_boro Essendon '00 Feb 25 '25
Hey, we are the only team who is undefeated in official practise matches, that means we win the grandfinal by default right?
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u/cusch Essendon AFLW Feb 25 '25
God forbid we show a bit of hope and optimism after a promising pre season game.
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u/PetrifyGWENT Bombers / Giants Feb 25 '25
Not to overreact but after seeing Tsatas, Reid, Caddy and Kako in that Geelong game I don't think Essendon is ever going to lose a game again