Damian Barrett and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily.

All eyes at Essendon will be on Zach Merrett for the first day of pre-season after his trade request to Hawthorn was denied. 

Finishing 2025 the Bombers fell on a 13-game losing streak and injuries left, right and centre. They're all hopeful for a much more positive outlook in 2026. 

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<a href="https://twitter.com/barrettdamian">Damian Barrett</a> and Josh Gabelich bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily.
All eyes at Essendon will be on Zach Merrett for the first day of pre-season after his trade request to Hawthorn was denied.&nbsp;
Finishing 2025 the Bombers fell on a 13-game losing streak and injuries left, right and centre. They're all hopeful for a much more positive outlook in 2026.&nbsp;
Subscribe to <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/afl-daily/id1558027370">AFL Daily</a>&nbsp;and never miss an episode. Rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Get the latest AFL news and storylines in 20 minutes every weekday morning as Damian Barrett and AFL.com.au's team of journalists cover the hottest topics on and off the field.

And every Wednesday, catch the midweek Round-Table, where Damo is joined by Nat Edwards, Josh Gabelich and Sarah Olle to debate everything happening around the league, on the field and off.

Get the latest AFL news and storylines in 20 minutes every weekday morning as Damian Barrett and AFL.com.au's team of journalists cover the hottest topics on and off the field.
And every Wednesday, catch the midweek Round-Table, where Damo is joined by Nat Edwards, Josh Gabelich and Sarah Olle to debate everything happening around the league, on the field and off.

AFL Daily with Damian Barrett and Nat Edwards