Round 16, 2026: Can Essendon Get Revenge on North? Trade Rumours, Coaching Talk & Post-Bye Priorities

The bye is over and Essendon returns for a big opportunity in their Round 16 clash against North Melbourne. With finals out of reach but plenty still to play for, Ian Hume and Josh Wilson break down why the final nine weeks of the season remain important for the Bombers' future. They discuss Essendon's disappointing loss to Melbourne, the key statistical areas that need improvement, and what Dean Solomon's game style comments could mean for the remainder of 2026. The boys also dive into: The latest coaching rumours and what Essendon should be looking for in its next senior coach Trade speculation surrounding Zach Merrett, Jordan Ridley and Darcy Parish Essendon's reported interest in Jed Walter and Lachie Neale Five things they want to see from the Bombers after the bye North Melbourne's improvement in 2026 and where the Roos can be exposed Selection headaches with Caldwell, McGrath, Parish, Kako and El-Hawli all returning Key tactical battles that could decide the game Predictions for Essendon's quest to secure its first Melbourne win in over a year Can the Bombers respond after the bye and gain revenge for their Round 3 defeat to North Melbourne? Tune in as Don The Stat previews a massive Sunday afternoon clash. #DonTheStat #Essendon #AFL ____ Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat Don The Stat Website: https://www.donthestat.com/ Follow Us on Twitter and Bluesky: Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh / https://bsky.app/profile/jonathanjwalsh.bsky.social Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1 / https://bsky.app/profile/kyptastic.bsky.social Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat Follow Don The Stat on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/donthestat?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==