Essendon has been out and about in the community, building meaningful connections and taking the Club to new and emerging audiences in 2026.

From grassroots programs to major moments of celebration, our impact continues to grow both on and off the field. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to in the first quarter of the year and what’s still to come. 

Marngrook Kids 

In partnership with The Long Walk, we piloted a First Nations cultural program for early learning centres in Darwin during our AFLW Dreamtime Game last year. Following its strong impact, the program is now live and open for bookings which brings culture, connection and learning to communities far and wide. To learn more or to make a booking please click here. 

Bomber Kids 

After delivering more than 100 sessions last year, the message from the community was clear, they want more. With over 50 bookings already confirmed, and growing fast, this program is making a real impact. Through Essendon and AFL‑themed activities, we introduce young children to who Essendon are, while building key skills that support their social and emotional development. To learn more or to make a booking please click here. 

Midsumma Pride March 

Through our partnership with Purple Bombers, the Bombers proudly represented and celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community once again at the Midsumma Pride March. With more than 20,000 people lining Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, it was a vibrant and uplifting day, connecting with community, celebrating diversity, and marching together with pride.  

Festivals  

As part of our commitment to meeting the community where they are, the Club took part in the Moonee Valley Festival (Moonee Valley City Council) and the Craigieburn Festival (Hume City Council). Across both events, fans enjoyed merchandise, interactive community activations, and plenty of Bombers spirit. With more than 25,000 people attending, our popular Guess the Number of Footies activation saw lucky winners go into the draw to score President’s Function tickets, signed Essendon AFL guernseys and $200 Rebel Sport vouchers.  

Player Appearances 

Our AFL and AFLW players have been out in the community, giving back and building genuine connections. From WhatAbility Day and Challenge hospital visits to festivals, school visits and clinics, our players have been making a real impact across the north‑west region. Our most recent engagement, we visited 14 schools and two Auskick clinics, reaching more than 800 young participants and inspiring the next generation of Bombers fans. 

VWFL (Wheelchair)  

We’re gearing up for another big season, with our squad now locked in for 2026. The finalised 15‑player list includes four new members, strengthening the group as we build towards a strong campaign. 

Our preseason camp was held over a weekend in March at the NEC Hangar, utilising the Paralympics Australia dorms. Players took part in an in‑depth induction, heard from former players on the significance of representing the Club, and completed a range of football‑focused education sessions—setting a strong foundation for the season ahead. Check out the squad and fixture details here.

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2025 VWFL B&F | Caleb Logan & Ben Milton interview

We catch up with 2025 VWFL Best and Fairest winners Caleb Logan and Ben Milton at Saturday night’s awards ceremony.

Next Generation Academy (NGA) 

Talent ID Session

We hosted our first NGA Talent ID session of 2026 in February, welcoming participants aged 12–15 across two separate groups. The session brought together 80 boys and girls from a richly diverse range of backgrounds, with participants representing countries including Lebanon, India, the Philippines, Egypt, Samoa, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Brazil—highlighting the depth of talent and diversity within our community.  

NGA Coaching Academy

In partnership with the AFL, we concluded our inaugural Essendon NGA Coaching Academy in March. Twelve coaches from Indigenous and culturally diverse backgrounds completed a series of theorybased and practical sessions, supporting our commitment to increasing diversity within our NGA coaching ranks. This program plays a key role in making football more accessible and inclusive for everyone. 

NGA Jumper

In February, we finalised the design of our NGA jumper—a proudly symbolic piece reflecting our commitment to creating culturally safe and welcoming programs for participants and their families. The jumper was designed by Kiewa AustinRioli, daughter of past Essendon player Dean Rioli, and we are proud to share both the design and the story behind it. Click here to view the jumper and learn more about the story behind the jumper.  

What’s Coming Up 

NGA Carnival  

The 2026 AFL NGA Carnival will take place across two action‑packed days on 13 April (Boys) and 14 April (Girls) at Belvedere Reserve, Seaford. The carnival will showcase our top NGA talent aged under 15, bringing together Indigenous and multicultural players from AFL Victorian club zones in a premier developmental event. Matches will run from 9:30am to 2:30pm on both days, celebrating the next generation of emerging football talent. 

Northern Territory Trip  

In April, the Bombers will once again head north as we continue our engagement with our remote NGA zones in the Tiwi Islands and West Arnhem. AFLW stars Amy Gaylor and Mia Busch will join the journey, with a range of community and pathways‑focused activations planned across the five‑day visit—strengthening connections and supporting the next generation of talent. 

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Bombers back in Tiwi

The Bombers recently completed a powerful four-day trip to the Tiwi Islands, reconnecting with the local community through sport and education. Throughout the visit, Essendon players and staff worked closely with more than 30 coaches and engaged over 100 students, sharing football skills and supporting broader learning opportunities.

Player Appearances  

Our players will soon be back out in the community, connecting and giving back across a range of settings. If you’d like the opportunity for Essendon players to visit your organisation, club or school, sign up  here to be kept informed about upcoming appearance opportunities.  

Remote Immersion 

As part of our commitment to nurturing and growing Indigenous talent, we will welcome players from our Northern Territory NGA zones into the Club during Dreamtime week. This immersive experience provides players and their families with the opportunity to connect with people across the Club and gain a firsthand look at what life as an AFL or AFLW player could be like—both on and off the field.  

Dreamtime at the Hangar – VWFL (Wheelchair) 

Dreamtime at the Hangar returns on Sunday 14 June from 12pm, and we’d love to see our Essendon fans pack the Hangar to cheer on our VWFL Bombers. Come along to celebrate culture, community and elite wheelchair football, and keep an eye out for FREE ticket offers to join us on the day.  

AFLW Community Camp 

Save the date! Our AFLW program will be heading to Echuca, Shepparton and Cobram from 17–18 June for a two‑day community camp. The visit will include evening clinics on 17 June, followed by school visits across the region on 18 June, continuing our commitment to connecting with and inspiring regional communities.