Isaac Kako was the standout Essendon player at the Bombers' match simulation on Friday morning.
The second-year player kicked a pair of goals, the first exhibiting a touch of class with a clean front-and-centre and dance around VFL player Jaxon Binns to finish straight in front.
Combined with his intent, pressure and speed, it was a compelling showcase of what he can offer as a ground level threat in 2025.
Depleted of an obvious, quality experienced forward, there will be pressure on younger players to perform, with Kako coming off a 23-game, 15-goal debut season, while Nate Caddy is another the Bombers will look to.
Caddy looked notably stronger, but sent a brief shudder through Bombers staff and a large contingent of faithful watching on when he landed awkwardly in a marking contest and hobbled off with an ankle concern, but he returned about seven minutes later.
Returns after about five minutes on the sidelines. Isaac Kako impressive early… https://t.co/9XHCpuVMWA
— Jonty Ralphsmith (@JontyRalphsmith) January 15, 2026
Kyle Langford, who kicked 94 goals across 2023-2024, was deployed as a conduit between the midfield and forward line and presented well as an option down the line.
Ben McKay was the standout among the defenders, while Archie Roberts looks set to back up a breakout season in the backline, with his confidence to advance the game and speed both standing out after defending his man.
Lachie Blakiston looks set to be Essendon's Round 1 ruck following Todd Goldstein's retirement and with Nick Bryan still sidelined with a knee injury, and he was competitive and skilful at stoppage, matched against Vigo Visentini, who looked to have bulked up.
The Bombers will hope to harness Sam Durham's explosive power, while Elijah Tsatas had good moments both offensively and defensively and Jye Caldwell found plenty of the footy.
Rebound defender Max Kondogiannis, the most unheralded of Essendon's 2025 draftees, was a surprise packet, bursting away off halfback and opening up the game on several occasions.
Fellow draftee Jacob Farrow had impressive moments in the midfield and Hussien El Achkar moved well in the forward half.
Workhorse Xavier Duursma worked hard and gave direction, while Jaxon Prior was another to spend time further up the field as competition for spots in the backline is set to be tight, with his ball use unlocked on the wing.
Out-of-contract winger Saad El Hawli failed to complete the session, limping off with a leg concern.
Essendon Next Generation Academy 2026 Draft prospect Blake Justice, part of Vic Metro's summer squad, was immersed in the session, but on limited duties due to a quad injury.
