Essendon has tough upcoming list calls on both contracted and out-of-contract players ahead of an important off-season in which it already holds two first-round draft picks.
Fifteen players are currently without contracts at the Hangar beyond this season, as the club uses this back-end portion of the season to make key assessments of its list ahead of Brad Scott’s fourth year in charge in 2026.
On Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle, Herald Sun journalists Scott Gullan and Jon Ralph made their verdicts on four unsigned Bombers and three contracted players in doubt.
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Ben Hobbs — out of contract
The former no.13 pick holds non-free agent status this year, meaning a trade would have to be agreed to if he wants out — unless he walks to the drafts.
Hobbs has played 17 senior games this season for an average of 14.9 disposals. His 0.3 goals per game are considered below average among general forwards.
Gullan said: “I would trade him. I think you’ve seen enough; he’s 21, (played) 64 games, he’s behind (Zach) Merrett, (Jye) Caldwell, (Sam) Durham, (Darcy) Parish … I think you’ve got to cut your losses, you’re still going to get something good.”
Jayden Laverde — unrestricted free agent
The 29-year-old has played 12 games this year after 21 last year; called upon by Brad Scott in Round 10 as first-choice key backmen Ben McKay, Jordan Ridley and Zach Reid were struck down with injury.
There was speculation last year around a possible departure for the veteran stopper, but he remained at Tullamarine as he was contracted for this year.
Gullan said: “He’s a depth player, as he is right now, when you need him. I think he’s about the last one you pick, but you probably keep him.”
Ralph said: “I’d keep him, because their three key-position defenders that will all be starting in Round 1, they’re injured right now.”
Dylan Shiel — out of contract
After nine senior games last year, the 32-year-old left-footer has played 12 matches this year for averages of 19.8 disposals and 3.1 inside-50s.
Gullan said: “I think they move on from him. I think someone else might give him a go, like a North Melbourne or something, for a bit of , but I think his time at Essendon is done.”
Sam Draper — unrestricted free agent
The longer Draper remains unsigned, the more it seems a likelihood he’ll depart for one of Brisbane or Adelaide.
Ralph said: “I think, at this stage, if he hasn’t signed his contract, he’s going to move on … it’s a six-year deal from clubs like Brisbane, Adelaide still pushing hard. Don’t go to Adelaide; don’t be in a dual-ruck situation (with Reilly O’Brien). So, if it’s six years and probably $850-900,000, maybe it’s a first-rounder (compensation), but I think more likely an end-of-first-rounder.”
Darcy Parish — contracted through 2029
It just hasn’t been Parish’s year as soft-tissue injury has again derailed his progress, limiting him to just three senior games. The 165-gamer hasn’t played more than 20 matches in a season since 2021.
He’s locked in on his current deal for a few more years, but that won’t stop more trade speculation this year.
Gullan said: “He intrigues me, he’s 28, he’s been linked to Geelong a few times, I mentioned Ben Hobbs, they both can’t play in this midfield; that’s become obvious. Which one do you let go if you’re Essendon? Darcy’s had his injury issues. I like him as a player, but the clock’s ticking on him. So, if I was him, and Essendon, I’d be open to a trade if someone presented something quite nice.”
Archie Perkins — contracted through 2026
Intrigue has revolved around Perkins’ best position and his overall place in Scott’s side, having either been the sub or subbed out on four occasions this year.
Gullan said: “High draft pick, we know, he’s gone backwards at a rate of knots this year. I don’t know where he is — is he a half-forward, is he a midfielder? He sort of floats in between. And Essendon would get something good — I mean, he’s a first-round pick, you might give up a Pick 15-20 in this draft, and maybe you get Archie Perkins … he needs a change.”
Ralph said: “(I’d give up Pick) 25-30. They bring in Jade Gresham; three years on $700,000. How did they not think this is going to impact our top-10 draft pick in Archie Perkins. That was a big mistake.”
Elijah Tsatas — contracted through 2026
The 20-year-old is the least experienced of this entire crop, having been the no.5 pick in 2022, but his career has far from blossomed to this point. He’s played four, seven and five games respectively across his three years in the league.
Gullan said: “Again, for his own purposes, he can’t break through in this current climate at Essendon, he’s had his issues. Everyone points at his problems rather than his positives.
“I think you go to a new club, preferably a successful club where they go ‘mate, we know you’re good at that, that’s why you were drafted in the first round, just focus on that. We’ll worry about the kicking and the other stuff, but you can clearly get the ball, you’re not getting a good run at it at Essendon. Maybe a bit of it’s your fault and you’ve got to clean up your attitude. He should find a new pasture.”
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