Essendon paid respect to the origins of its 2026 Anzac Day guernsey with a visit to the Moorabbin Air museum last week, home of one of the remaining Bristol Beaufighters from World War II.

A group of players attended to observe, step foot inside the aircraft and speak to media about the importance of learning about our nation's history this week in the buildup to the annual clash with Collingwood.

The boys also got the chance to meet youngster Harrison Cox, a Bombers fan with a deep love for aviation and in particular the 'Beau', able to recite the plane's history and facts off by heart - he relished the opportunity to hang out with some of his footy idols alongside mum Nekita and dad Adrian - also a mad Dons fan.

"It's been such a fun day. My grandpa volunteers here, so he tells me lots about (the beaufighter) - it's always been my favourite," Cox said.

"I loved seeing it on the jumper."