Top Essendon draft pick Sullivan Robey made a promising return to the training field, participating in a light session with the Bombers on Wednesday. The session, held as part of a fan engagement day, marked Robey’s first involvement in team drills since his back injury in December.
Robey, who was drafted with Pick 9 in the 2025 draft, is considered one of the more AFL-ready players due to his robust build. Although he did not engage in contact drills, his movement was fluid, and he integrated seamlessly with the team. His return is a significant boost for Essendon, whose roster has remained largely healthy under the guidance of new high-performance manager Matt Innes.
Essendon’s New High-Performance Approach
The Bombers have been fortunate to avoid the injury woes that have plagued many of their rivals. This is partly attributed to the changes implemented by Matt Innes, who has introduced a focus on high-intensity running. Veteran player Kyle Langford praised Innes’s impact during a media session on Wednesday.
“He’s been really good, almost a breath of fresh air,” Langford said. “A bit of change is reinvigorating for the program. The sessions probably aren’t as long but they’re more intense in high-end running, so it’s been really good.”
Langford, who has struggled with injuries himself, spent the off-season at the world-renowned Qatar medical facility Aspetar. This visit has bolstered his confidence as he prepares for the 2026 season.
Langford’s Journey and Leadership Insights
Having played only nine games last year due to injury, Langford is eager to return to the form that saw him kick 94 goals across the 2023-24 seasons. His time at Aspetar focused on understanding his body’s mechanics and how to prevent future injuries.
“It was more so little things, it wasn’t anything major; it was about how my body connects with itself…there were minor details I learned that are important in the scheme of things,” Langford explained.
Langford also shared insights into the leadership of new captain Andrew McGrath, who took over from Zach Merrett. McGrath’s approach is characterized by strong interpersonal connections and a caring nature, qualities that Langford believes will serve the team well.
“He’s such a connected character, he cares about everyone, whether it’s a draftee or one of the older guys,” Langford said. “The way Andy has led the group as vice captain over the last few years is pretty much the exact same as how he’s going to skipper us.”
Emerging Talent and Team Dynamics
As the Bombers look ahead to the new season, Langford highlighted the promising performances of 2025 Mid-Season Draft recruit Lachie Blakiston and third-year player Vigo Visentini. With the retirement of Todd Goldstein and the departure of Sam Draper, opportunities abound for these young players.
Langford expressed optimism about the team’s flexible forward line, which includes young talents like Nate Caddy and Isaac Kako. This adaptability is seen as a key strength for Essendon in 2026.
“One of the positives of our team is that we have a really flexible forward line and midfield group,” Langford noted. “I’ve been training deep forward, high forward, that high lateral wing-forward.”
Essendon’s preparation for the upcoming season appears robust, with a blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent poised to make an impact. As the team continues to train under the new high-performance regime, the Bombers are hopeful for a successful 2026 campaign.
