Essendon Football Club is boldly embracing the F-word as it launches into a new era, determined to finally snap its infamous two-decade finals drought. The Bombers have ushered in significant change following one of their most disappointing seasons in recent memory, with a renewed leadership group and a singular, simple goal: to play in September.
New Leaders Step Up After Turbulent Year
Midfielder Sam Durham, 24, has been elevated to the club's leadership group, joining former roommate and newly appointed captain Andy McGrath. This reshuffle follows the fallout from Zach Merrett's failed defection and a season described by Durham as the most challenging of his career.
"My most challenging year of football, just backing it up every week to be like 'alright boys, we can actually win this game'," Durham told 7NEWS. The team's campaign was derailed by a crippling injury list that included ruckman Sam Draper, who has since departed for Brisbane, and midfielder Nic Martin, who is set to miss all of 2026 after undergoing a second round of knee surgery.
A Fitness-First Approach Under New Regime
Durham expressed hope that the club will turn a corner under new fitness boss Mathew Inness. The key, he says, is getting the squad's best players back on the park consistently.
"Just getting those guys out there first, like Jordan Ridley and Zach Reid — the list goes on," Durham said. "But getting a ruckman out there and getting a bit of continuity with the whole group and we can see what we can do as a team."
The Finals Mandate and Wildcard Opportunity
The Bombers have made a New Year's resolution to not just mention the F-word but to live it. The club's explicit aim is to qualify for the AFL finals for the first time since 2004.
"If we all align to the same goal and that's to win finals and play finals, I think we'll be right," Durham stated. The team's two-decade losing streak in finals was thrust back into the spotlight after AFL CEO Andrew Dillon confirmed results in the newly introduced wildcard round would count towards official finals records.
This controversial new round, featuring teams that finish seventh through 10th on the ladder, could provide Essendon with an extra pathway to September action in 2026.
Embracing Leadership and a Fresh Start
Durham said he is ready for the responsibility that comes with his formal leadership role and is equally confident in McGrath's capacity to lead as captain.
"I've seen him grow over the five years that I've been here so it's awesome for him to take the next step in his footy career," Durham said of McGrath. "It's awesome, especially for myself. I think it's a good stepping stone for me to really dive into the leadership side of this year, and for Andy to get the call-up is awesome."
With a refreshed leadership structure, a focus on fitness, and an unambiguous target, Essendon enters the new season with its sights firmly set on breaking one of the most notorious droughts in Australian sport.
