Simon Conway

Essendon’s will enter next month’s National Draft with three picks inside the top 30 selections, including the first pick. On the final day of the AFL’s trade period, the Bombers sealed the deal to land former GWS forward James Stewart by sending pick 77 to the Giants. “I think he’s a young man who has done his apprenticeship, he spent four years up there so he’s ready to go and he’s very determined to put his best foot forward,” List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro said.

After a playing career that reached football’s pinnacle on two occasions, John Worsfold entered the world of coaching, albeit after a brief sidestep in to pharmacy. Princes Park was the launching pad for a career that would again see Worsfold reach the summit of the football world. At Carlton he honed his coaching craft and also learnt of an age-old rivalry. He remembers the mood of Stephen Kernahan – a Carlton legend and former President – changing in the week leading up to games against Essendon.

Essendon midfielder Adam Cooney says the players are drawing inspiration from the resilience of the fans. In a season like no other, the Bombers enter the final stages of the season looking for their second win of the campaign. Cooney said the playing group is desperate to repay the fans by securing another victory. “When you play a game like that (St.Kilda), and you almost get over the line, you’re really disappointed that you lost," Cooney told Bomber Radio.