{"id":417732,"date":"2026-01-16T21:39:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T21:39:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/417732\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T21:39:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T21:39:23","slug":"track-watch-kako-fires-at-essendon-training-afl-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/417732\/","title":{"rendered":"Track Watch: Kako fires at Essendon training – AFL News"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Isaac Kako<\/a> was the standout Essendon player at the Bombers’ match simulation on Friday morning.<\/p>\n

The second-year player kicked a pair of goals, the first exhibiting a touch of class with a clean front-and-centre and dance around VFL player Jaxon Binns<\/a> to finish straight in front.<\/p>\n

Combined with his intent, pressure and speed, it was a compelling showcase of what he can offer as a ground level threat in 2025.<\/p>\n

Depleted of an obvious, quality experienced forward, there will be pressure on younger players to perform, with Kako coming off a 23-game, 15-goal debut season, while Nate Caddy<\/a> is another the Bombers will look to.<\/p>\n

Caddy looked notably stronger, but sent a brief shudder through Bombers staff and a large contingent of faithful watching on when he landed awkwardly in a marking contest and hobbled off with an ankle concern, but he returned about seven minutes later.<\/p>\n

Returns after about five minutes on the sidelines. Isaac Kako impressive early\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/9XHCpuVMWA<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jonty Ralphsmith (@JontyRalphsmith) January 15, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Kyle Langford<\/a>, who kicked 94 goals across 2023-2024, was deployed as a conduit between the midfield and forward line and presented well as an option down the line.<\/p>\n

Ben McKay<\/a> was the standout among the defenders, while Archie Roberts<\/a> looks set to back up a breakout season in the backline, with his confidence to advance the game and speed both standing out after defending his man.<\/p>\n

Lachie Blakiston<\/a> looks set to be Essendon’s Round 1 ruck following Todd Goldstein’s retirement and with Nick Bryan<\/a> still sidelined with a knee injury, and he was competitive and skilful at stoppage, matched against Vigo Visentini<\/a>, who looked to have bulked up.<\/p>\n

The Bombers will hope to harness Sam Durham’s explosive power, while Elijah Tsatas<\/a> had good moments both offensively and defensively and Jye Caldwell<\/a> found plenty of the footy.<\/p>\n

Rebound defender Max Kondogiannis<\/a>, the most unheralded of Essendon’s 2025 draftees, was a surprise packet, bursting away off halfback and opening up the game on several occasions.<\/p>\n

Fellow draftee Jacob Farrow<\/a> had impressive moments in the midfield and Hussien El Achkar<\/a> moved well in the forward half.<\/p>\n

Workhorse Xavier Duursma<\/a> worked hard and gave direction, while Jaxon Prior<\/a> was another to spend time further up the field as competition for spots in the backline is set to be tight, with his ball use unlocked on the wing.<\/p>\n

Out-of-contract winger Saad El Hawli failed to complete the session, limping off with a leg concern.<\/p>\n

Essendon Next Generation Academy 2026 Draft prospect Blake Justice, part of Vic Metro’s summer squad, was immersed in the session, but on limited duties due to a quad injury.<\/p>\n