Essendon Football Club is taking decisive steps to overcome a challenging season marred by injuries by sending several players overseas for rehabilitation and training camps. This strategic move aims to address the injury woes that plagued their 2025 campaign, which saw the Bombers finish in 15th place with a 6-17 record. The club now faces crucial list decisions as it looks to rebuild for the future.
The Bombers’ 2025 season was characterized by an unprecedented number of injuries, forcing them to debut 15 new players—the highest in the league. The season concluded with a 95-point defeat to Gold Coast, marking their 13th consecutive loss. As Essendon looks beyond this tumultuous period, the focus shifts to player recovery and strategic planning.
Players Head Overseas for Recovery
In a bid to tackle their injury issues head-on, several key players, including Kyle Langford, Nate Caddy, and Darcy Parish, will soon head abroad for intensive training and diagnosis. According to Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph, Langford and Caddy are set to visit the Aspetar clinic in Doha, Qatar, while Parish will travel to Baltimore, USA, to address persistent calf and back problems.
“Langford and Caddy will head to the Aspetar clinic in Doha, Qatar in the coming weeks for a week of intensive training,” Ralph reported on Fox Footy. “Darcy Parish, with all those calf and back issues, will go to Baltimore, USA in coming weeks for diagnosis and training.”
Meanwhile, Essendon has reported positive progress for players Zach Reid and Jye Caldwell, who are expected to be ready for the start of pre-season training.
Draft Picks and Contract Decisions Loom
With the November draft approaching, Essendon holds two top five picks, including selections No. 4 and 5, as well as picks 22 and 25. These selections are crucial as the club aims to reshape its roster under the guidance of coach Brad Scott. However, the Bombers also face uncertainty with several players in contract limbo.
Thirteen players are currently without contracts, including Luamon Lual, Jaxon Prior, Lachie Blakiston, Liam McMahon, Dylan Shiel, Todd Goldstein, and Jayden Laverde. The club is also awaiting a free agency decision from Sam Draper, who has drawn interest from Adelaide and Brisbane.
“Those exit interviews start tomorrow for Essendon, 13 players without a contract,” Ralph added. “My understanding is McMahon and Blakiston are likely to earn new deals.”
Expert Opinions on Essendon’s Future
The Bombers’ 2025 season has been described as a “nothing year” by Saints great Leigh Montagna, despite the opportunity to introduce new talent. Montagna emphasized the importance of addressing the club’s injury issues during the off-season to ensure a stronger performance next year.
“It’s up to their off-season, how well they recover and the health of the group and the fitness program they go through,” Montagna said on Fox Footy’s The First Crack. “A lot of them are recidivists, they break down a lot the same guys.”
Dual premiership Kangaroo David King also questioned the long-term impact of the 15 debutants, stressing the need for these players to become integral parts of Essendon’s future success.
“How many of those 15 have answered the call and are going to be part of something meaningful going forward?” King posed. “It’s OK to have 20 new debutants, but they’ve got to be the ones you say: ‘Yep, we’ve found him, we’ve found him, we’ve found him’.”
Looking Ahead
As Essendon prepares for the upcoming draft and off-season training, the club’s ability to manage player health and make strategic roster decisions will be pivotal. The Bombers’ commitment to addressing their injury challenges and leveraging their draft picks could set the stage for a more competitive 2026 season.
The football community will be watching closely to see how Essendon’s list evolves and whether the club can translate its off-season efforts into on-field success. The next few months will be critical in shaping the Bombers’ trajectory as they aim to leave the struggles of 2025 behind.
