Forward Isaac Kako reflects on Saturday night’s 12‑point loss against North Melbourne, with key areas of improvement front of mind as the Dons head into their Easter Sunday clash against the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

While the result didn’t go Essendon’s way, Kako points to promising signs across all lines, with improved ball movement and pressure highlighting the side’s growth through the early rounds of the season.

Now entering his second year at AFL level, the forward has gained experience both through the midfield and the forward line, with the young Don embracing his versatility and opportunity to impact games in different ways throughout the 2026 campaign.

Kako on… Round Three against North

I think, as a team, we showed a lot of positive signs and a lot of growth from the first couple of weeks. 

We’re moving well as a team, but we’ve just got to clean up on executing our plays.

We’re moving the ball a lot better, pressure’s a lot better, but executing and connecting our midfielders with our forwards is probably the main thing.

Kako on… areas for improvement and team connection

I think all lines are quite well connected, getting the gel between lines is probably our biggest thing right now. 

But I think everyone’s pretty optimistic about what we can bring because I don’t think we’re as far off as what people think.

The key thing is just that last connection, which is something we can work on. The hardest part is generating those opportunities, which we’re doing, but making sure we focus on finishing our work and connecting from the midfield to inside 50.

The vibes are still very high, which is a good thing. 

Kako on… opportunities in the midfield

(I enjoy) getting after the opponents in the midfield, not really letting them have time with the football, and using my pressure and my speed around the ball. 

I also like getting the ball in my hands and driving the ball forward, and I really like splitting my time between the midfield and forward.

Kako on… preparing for Round Four

We’re preparing as we would any other week. 

They’re (Bulldogs) a strong side who are strong in every line, which is obviously a big challenge, but I think that poses an opportunity for us as well. 

Going up against probably the best in-form team in the comp right now, will show us the level we’re at and what we can bring against the top team.