The Bombers have a lot to weigh up about the return of their favourite son, but there is one group the club should definitely listen to the most.
Mitchell Johnson
Finals still may be a few arms lengths away, but West Coast’s 30-point win against Essendon has all but assured they’re no longer wooden spoon contenders.
Mitchell Woodcock
It would be great if James Hird were the best candidate to coach Essendon. But he’s not, and it’s starting to feel like that won’t matter, writes Ryan Daniels.
Ryan Daniels
West Coast have named an unchanged team for Sunday’s WA Day eve encounter with an injury-ravaged Essendon at Optus Stadium.
Glen Quartermain
Former West Coast defender Sharrod Wellingham is confident the Eagles can handle the pressure of starting as favourites in Sunday night’s encounter with an injury-decimated Essendon at Optus Stadium.
Tagging Zach Merrett is a no-brainer, but there is another Bomber West Coast must ensure doesn’t take flight, writes Xavier Ellis.
Xavier Ellis
West Coast recruit Brandon Starcevich will spend another week building form and fitness in the WAFL after not being named in the extended squad to take on Essendon at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
AFL senior coaches like Brad Scott are all big boys. Club presidents should really just come out and tell the public when a coach is really under the pump, writes Mick Malthouse.
Mick Malthouse
The AFL world will come together across every game this weekend as they honour the life and legacy of Neale Daniher following his death on Monday.
Jake Santa Maria
Kevin Sheedy says he will not actively campaign for the return of James Hird, but the revered Essendon coach remains firm in his belief the club legend is the best man to lead the Bombers.
Josh Kempton
Jaxon Artemis has backed himself to make an instant impact at Essendon, turning down a long-term contract from Tasmania to be part of their inaugural AFL side to be picked in the mid-season rookie draft.
The biggest spectre lingering over the future of Essendon has confirmed his interest in righting the ship, with James Hird saying he would coach again.
A ‘blindsided’ Brad Scott has taken a parting shot at his former club over the Zach Merrett saga, saying the Bombers should have facilitated a trade.
WA draftee Jaxon Artemis could make his debut for Essendon as soon as this Sunday against West Coast at Optus Stadium after the beleaguered Bombers took him with the first pick in the mid-season draft.
Ex-AFL player Ryan Crowley will face trial later this year over domestic violence related offences against his former MAFS star girlfriend Lauren Dunn.
Emma Kirk
Who could step in to replace Brad Scott and, more importantly, who would want to? Here at the leading coaching contenders to try to pilot the Bombers towards a brighter future.
The Bombers have lost patience and cut ties despite 18 months left to run on his contract.
Mitch Cleary
West Coast have a golden opportunity to exceed pre-season expectations and claim an invaluable fourth win when a banged-up Bombers head west this week.
Perth ruckman Josh Edwards is the latest WAFL player to be linked to an AFL club ahead of the mid-season rookie draft next week, with at least two clubs expressing interest.
Fremantle’s bid to match a club record nine successive victories in a season has taken a hit with midfielder Hayden Young ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Essendon through injury.
The Brisbane Lions are “bullish” about the prospects of a teenager who will make his AFL debut on Saturday.
Marco Monteverde
Evergreen Collingwood great Scott Pendlebury has etched himself into Anzac Day folklore, winning a record fourth medal in arguably his finest performance ever as the Magpies blew Essendon in a 77-point win.
Essendon great and former captain Jobe Watson has been impressed the composure of top West Australian draftee Jacob Farrow as he prepares for the biggest game of his blossoming career.
Samantha Rogers
A former Australian rules football great has been found not guilty of sexually abusing a young girl six decades ago.
