The Lockout Podcast
After the Lockout Podcast's first season in 2024 we are back to preview the 2025 season with Josh, Hawko, Ryan and Croxy for all your AFL Fantasy needs.
We review all the teams in ladder order in reverse for 2025 in the lead up to the start of the 2025 AFL season.
The boys talk about players from a fantasy standpoint who excited them from 2024, and also who they are looking to turn to in 2025.
After we make our way through the whole league, we will run through our Defence, Midfield, Forwards and Rucks and give you insights into who we are finalising in our own teams for 2025.
The Lockout Podcast
AFL Fantasy 2026 - Essendon Bombers Preview
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The boys dive into Essendon’s chaotic 2025 season, a year defined by injuries, instability, and an incredible 18 debutantes. With 37 players used across the season, the Bombers were smashed by availability issues, role changes and constant disruption, leaving even their stars scrambling to hold things together.
We unpack Essendon’s off-season moves, including the arrival of Braden Fiorini and a draft haul headlined by Dyson Sharp, Sullivan Roby and Jacob Farrow, alongside major outs such as Sam Draper, Dylan Shiel, Jaden Laverde and a wave of delistings.
The panel debates under performers, highlights rare 2025 positives, and identifies breakout candidates for 2026.
Ultimate pick discussions focus on whether Darcy Parish can rediscover his elite scoring, if Caldwell is still undervalued, and how Essendon’s rebuild shapes Fantasy strategy. We finish with blunt ladder predictions and ask the big question: how far off are the Bombers, really?