Through all the bumps of a challenging season for Essendon, Isaac Kako’s steady progress was a major standout.

The first-round pick made his mark throughout 2025 as one of just four Dons to feature in all 24 games of the campaign, testament to his early signs of professionalism and ability to adapt quickly to the highest level.

Finding his feet as a small forward, the lifelong Essendon fan also found himself a livewire option as a clearance player in the final month of season, adding great scope to his game for the future.

Kako reflects on his first stanza at AFL level, with plenty of excitement to come.

Kako on... living out a dream

From round one, my personal goal was to play every game in the season. I’m happy I was able to do that.

Though, a very disappointing year in terms of the team, but I feel the only way from here is up. I finished the year well and am looking forward to bringing that into pre-season and next year.

Growing up an Essendon supporter, I always used to go to those big games (Anzac Day, Dreamtime etc), so taking the field as a player was incredible. The minute’s silence is so powerful and one of the most special moments of the year for me. It’s an honour to be a part of.

Even though I'm a player, I still feel like a fan sometimes. Seeing players I used to look up to, playing on my team and playing against them.

I used to love Zach Merrett growing up and watching him kick goals, so to play in the team he leads and to run out with him is so cool.

From a fan perspective, it’s my favourite part of being an AFL footballer. Getting to interact with people and seeing the impact we have on them is awesome.

Kako on... his development as a forward, midfield exposure

I feel like playing as a small forward is a tough position. In my opinion, it’s one of the hardest roles to play.

As the season went on, the coaches started speaking about some midfield exposure and some centre bounce exposure which really helped my forward craft.

The midfield exposure allowed me to get in and around the ball, play on bigger bodies and get more involved by getting my hands on the ball more. That transition came towards the end, and I really enjoyed playing in the midfield.

Kako on the NGA program and how that helped him prepare for AFL level

I’ve been around the club since I was 13 and it has become a second home.

I was able to come in for a couple weeks during the 2024 pre-season ahead of the draft and this helped me in good standing, getting my body right to come in for pre-season. I feel that extra work and time became evident in me playing every game this year, my body was prepared and in a good spot to do so.

Kako on... playing alongside Zak Johnson, Nate Caddy and Jayden Nguyen throughout his career

It made us a lot more comfortable coming in.

I already knew the place like the back of my hand, but coming in and seeing familiar faces helped. It felt like I was still playing local footy or school footy with my mates.

It made me a lot more comfortable and allowed my development to grow a lot quicker as there wasn’t that ‘uncomfortable phase’.

Kako on... the on/off-field connection between our first-year players

I think on-field, it’s pretty cool.

We look at each other and we're just living our childhood dreams; gratitude is one way to describe the feeling.

Off-field, it's so good having so many first-year players and so many draftees because everyone's in the same boat, we understand each other.

It’s like we’re back at school again. Everyone's having a bit of fun and just playing footy.

Kako on... his goals and development throughout the season

I think coming into the year, being in the juniors, you're sort of always looked at the player who's got to get the ball and do all the right things, such as kicking goals.

But coming into the AFL system has changed my perspective to just do what the team needed to achieve. This year, it was pressuring and getting after the opposition.

From more of an offensive standpoint, as the year went on, the coaches and my teammates have trusted me to get into the midfield, get my hands on the footy and have an impact on the game.

Kako on... teammates who became pivotal mentors this season  

Dylan Shiel was a really good help as he was my locker buddy, so we got to talk a lot about things on field and off-field. ‘Dyl’ always gave me great confidence with myself to purely take the game on and play to the best of my ability.

Another one is Andy McGrath. He’s always a great support and gave me a lot of confidence with my ability. He doesn't let you drop your head and if something goes wrong, he’s always the first to say to keep going. He’s been really good for my confidence this season.

Kako on... off-season plans for improvement ahead of pre-season

I aim to really improve my tank, get a lot fitter and improve my two-way running.

I also really want to hone down on pressuring the opposition as the team needs.

The main thing for me is just getting a lot fitter, attacking preseason and having a massive one to come back and have a good year.