Pre-Season Training Watch 2026: Roles, Recruits & Round 1 Reality - Featuring Rick Edwards
With Essendon’s first practice match a day away, we bring in the best training watcher in the business, Rick Edwards, to break down everything we’ve learned from the 2026 pre-season.
From role changes and standout performers to new recruits and Round 1 prospects, this is your most comprehensive look yet at how the Bombers are shaping up.
We cover:
How this pre-season compares to 2025
The evolving game plan
Xavier Duursma’s shift to half forward
Archie Roberts’ midfield exposure
Brayden Fiorini’s leadership impact
Updates on Robey, Farrow, Sharp, Kondogiannis & El-Achkar
Concerns, question…
The skinny
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