MY 6 WISHES FOR 2026
Let’s be honest with ourselves …
We, the faithful legions of Bomberland are simple folk when it comes to our desires. We aren’t greedy people, and nor are we folk who haven’t waited long enough for our time to shine. Because lord knows we of the red sash have all waited long enough to see our club finally find itself back at the top of the AFL world.
So, what is it that we want? I know I can’t speak for you, but I figured I’d throw down a few thoughts that came to mind when I was pondering what I would have on my wish list for the upcoming 2026 AFL season.
WISH NUMBER ONE: Please Don’t Get Hurt!
This should be an obvious one after the shemozzle that was Essendon’s 2025 campaign. It felt like every other day we were forced to come to terms with yet another injury. Darcy Parish, Zach Reid, Lewis Hayes, Kyle Langford, Jordan Ridley, Nate Caddy, Peter Wright … the list seemed unending! So being able to go through an entire season without complaining about injuries, is simply a must. At the very least, it’d just be nice.
And with a new look medical and high-performance team in charge down Melrose Drive, things are looking up … for now.
WISH NUMBER TWO: The Prioritisation Of Youth
Of the six wishes I’ve put forward, this is probably the easiest of them to come true. Because, well let’s be honest, there’s not many veterans left.
Youth is all we have!
The Bombers really made some impressive strides last year with the introduction of a heap of young performers, and yes, I know that this was forced upon the selectors, but progress was made, nevertheless.
Archie Roberts, Isaac Kako, Angus Clarke, Zak Johnson, Jayden Nguyen and a number of young guys really took their opportunities last year and with the latest additions for the Dons via the draft, this trend seems likely to continue. Dyson Sharp and Jacob Farrow have both impressed all who’ve watched them over the summer, while hampered Sullivan Robey still looks a high chance to debut in season ’26. Hussein El Achkar appears to have formed a strong connection with Kako, leading many pundits to suggest that the pair may line up together in round one against the Hawks, as long as Kako’s minor injury issues of late subside.
Nevertheless, this club is in development mode and continuing to bring in youth is paramount.
WISH NUMBER THREE: Finding Consistency
I think this has a lot to do with my first wish, however, as past seasons have shown even a healthy Essendon squad has struggled to find consistency. Issues with fitness, endurance, frustratingly uneven fixturing and most importantly a sense of confusion about what the game plan actually is, have left good starts to the season in the toilet.
It is essential this team is taught a clear and coherent game plan that they can actually execute, because over the past three seasons under Brad Scott, I don’t even know what the hell Essendon is trying to do. I’m open to giving Scott a mulligan in seasons one and three, but in season four no matter what, fans need to be able to see what it is this club is trying to do on the field.
Because if they don’t, Marvel Stadium will become a god damn ghost town by the Bye.
Will it be fourth time’s the charm for Brad Scott as Dons’ senior coach?
WISH NUMBER FOUR: Enjoying The Little Wins
Now, let’s not beat around the bush here this squad is unlikely to be playing finals, certainly not making the Top 6. Wildcard … eh, maybe.
But it’s deeply likely that we will be suffering through another losing season, how bad, who’s to say. But whatever the outcome, we as fans must become more accepting and open to being able to find the small wins in 2026. It can be as simple as watching a youngster go from C-grade to B-grade, or watching a Sam Durham, Jye Caldwell or Nate Caddy take that next step towards the elite! It could be a close win over an arch-rival or a victory against a top-tier team no one expected us to beat.
Hell, it could simply be getting a pie at the MCG that’s actually at a respectable temperature, I don’t really know. But what remains important is finding the little wins.
It may be the only way we survive.
WISH NUMBER FIVE: The BomberShop Will Actually Stock Something I Can Use My $30 Coupon On
To be fair, the club’s shop had improved over the years, but it is still genuinely challenging to find anything I want to buy with that meagre $30 coupon you’re given when the membership comes through.
And you’d be lucky not to have to use any of your own damn money to finalise the purchase of a single Skeeta sock! I mean come on EFC, have a look at the kind of delicious goods Fanatics has for the punters, for F#%^ sake!
So, I’m wishing big time that there’s something worthwhile to buy at the okay old BomberShop.
How will Essendon’s new leadership team go as Andy McGrath takes the reins as captain in ‘26?
WISH NUMBER SIX: Leaving On A High
Is this the most important thing? Maybe.
No, bugger that … IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING! It’s simply imperative for all involved that for the first time in God knows how many years that fans leave season 2026 feeling like a legitimate chance of future success! This means at the trade table and most definitely in season 2027.
Port Adelaide (and now Victoria) star Zak Butters is already being discussed as a possible pick-up, and the club is working well to keep themselves in the conversation. But undoubtably, what will win over a quality player the likes of Butters is the belief that this Bombers side is heading in the right direction. In 2026, a competitive (if not winning season) will go a loooonnnnnggggg way to getting that signature … and maybe more.
Sure, the club has the money to splash around, but we won’t be locking-in any quality signings if the Dons throw out another injury-riddled six-win season. We need to show we’re solid on and off the field. That the club is fundamentally an a-grade (ish) mob who will keep any prospective signings fit, healthy and a member of a squad on the up. Because I can’t take another gloomy summer, sweating every time I open up the AFL app and read the words, “tragic injury strikes…”. I need to feel safe and happy, like those bastards in Brisbane, Hawthorn and now even the damn Gold Coast!
So, that’s it. My wish list for the Essendon Football Club in 2026. Will I get it all, probably not. But even if I just get a few, I reckon that’ll be okay. So, what about you Bombers fans?
What’s on your wish list?
Go Planes.