St Kilda vs Essendon AFL Community Shield Preview 2026

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: Fri 27 Feb 2026 08:14

Jeremy Darke 27 Feb 2026

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St Kilda vs Essendon Preview
St Kilda and Essendon meet at Mars Stadium for the AFL Community Shield.
St Kilda focuses on consistency, leaning on key players despite absentees.
Essendon’s leadership shift & midfield strength are central to their 2026 approach.

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St Kilda vs Essendon Preview. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

St Kilda vs Essendon Preview

St Kilda and Essendon meet at Mars Stadium in a Saturday afternoon AFL Community Shield clash.

Both sides are balancing senior inclusions with notable absentees as they build toward Opening Round. The focus will be on system execution and role clarity rather than scoreboard pressure.

St Kilda

St Kilda enter 2026 aiming for greater consistency after an uneven campaign. The Saints’ midfield depth and ball movement remain central to their identity, but availability across key positions has shaped their pre season preparation.

With Max King sidelined and Jack Silvagni unavailable, forward structure remains a work in progress heading into the year.

This line up leans on Rowan Marshall’s versatility and the composure of Callum Wilkie in defence. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera continues to shape as a critical piece in transition, while younger midfielders are given responsibility around the contest.

This fixture allows the Saints to refine forward connection and defensive organisation ahead of stronger opposition.

St Kilda Squad

B: L.Stocker 14 C.Wilkie - C 44 A.Caminiti 47

HB: A.Tauru 26 N.Wanganeen-Milera 7 R.Byrnes 13

C: M.Windhager 2 H.Boxshall 38 D.Wilson 22

HF: M.Phillipou 25 M.Owens 10 M.Hall 40

F: C.Sharman 43 J.Higgins 1 R.Marshall 19

Foll: T.De Koning 21 S.Flanders 9 J.Sinclair 35

I/C: J.Macrae 6 B.Hill 8 I.Keeler 17 J.Carroll 18 L.Ryan 31 M.Wood 32 H.Garcia 34 C.Banfield 36

Emerg: H.Clark 11 D.Butler 16 D.Howard 20 A.Dodson 30

Notable absentees: Dan Butler, Dougal Howard, Jack Silvagni, Hunter Clark, Max King, Liam Henry

Essendon

Essendon approach 2026 with renewed focus following a disrupted season shaped by injury. Leadership has shifted, and the midfield remains the engine room of their progression.

Zach Merrett’s inclusion strengthens their on ball mix, while Andrew McGrath continues to set the tone as captain.

The Bombers’ forward structure is built around Kyle Langford and Peter Wright, with developing pieces rotating through half forward. Lachie Blakiston leads the ruck in this match, giving Essendon a chance to assess depth in the position.

With several senior names unavailable, this is an opportunity to solidify defensive combinations and midfield balance before the season begins.