Reflective and grateful, Nate Caddy candidly shares his thoughts after Essendon’s final matchup for 2026 against Port Adelaide, where the Dons fell just short of the win in a well-fought battle.

The star forward acknowledges the season that was, but emphasises the genuine impact that the Bomber Faithful has had on getting him and the team through what has been a tough campaign.

See what Caddy had to say below:

Caddy on… Port matchup and overall reflections

Yeah, it's obviously flattening.

We thought we were going alright and that we could put it away, but unfortunately, they kicked that one straight away after Zach's goal.

It’s deflating, we put up a good fight we'll take some good things out of it, there’s obviously some things we need to work on over the off-season.

It's been a hard year but a lot of people have come out of it a lot better and stronger, and with a better off-season, and a few young boys getting more experience just being professional athletes.

I wouldn't say I'm happy it's done, but it's been a bloody long year.

Caddy on… the Bomber Faithful

They do all the time (show up to games).

It's hard barracking for a team that’s losing all the time.

I remember when I was a kid, being so emotional when my team lost, my whole week is dictated by how my team went, and when we're not going that well, it's kind of hard to stay involved.

You don't want to be upset all the time, but I think just taking the little things, understanding where we're at, we all know that we're all in a development stage.

We're trying to make inroads as quick as we can, but I know it's hard for the fans, and I really appreciate them just turning up in numbers.

Once we get this place humming, I'm just so excited for what we can do.

I'm just proud to be a Bomber and I'm proud to have the fans back me and support me all the time.

I had a few moments today where I was going all right, and the fans give me a standing ovation, and I honestly nearly teared up. I love it.

Caddy on… Andy McGrath’s milestone and impact

He gives his all to everyone.

He's honest, hardworking, caring, he's got everything it takes to be a leader.

He has led us very well, it's been very hard for him this year.

Being able to instil hope with a team that keeps losing, but I think he's done everything he can.

I think that with another pre-season under his belt as a leader, I think that he can really make some inroads and drive us where we want to get to, so I'm excited for him.

Caddy on… Dean Solomon’s impact as Interim Senior Coach

I love Solly to be honest, he's hard on me, but he backs me in.

He said that from the start, that he was going to challenge me and make me better.

He played for Essendon and has some great pride in what it takes to be a Bomber, and he just tried to instil that into the team, and I think he's done that.

I think we all understand what it means to play for Essendon Football Club, and although we're not getting the job done like he did back in the day, I think that we all understand what it means.

He loves the boys and loves getting around us, he just cares about us all. I couldn't speak more highly of him.