Essendon is known for its active participation in every trade and free agency period, and 2024 appears to be no exception as the club evaluates the market to bolster its roster.
Last off-season proved fruitful for the Bombers, securing Ben McKay, Jade Gresham, and Todd Goldstein through free agency, and adding Xavier Duursma via a trade that saw Brandon Zerk-Thatcher move to Port Adelaide. These acquisitions, coupled with the development of their young players, have propelled Essendon into contention for the premiership, positioning them within striking distance of second place on the ladder.
However, despite their progress, Essendon remains slightly off the top spot. How will they utilize this year’s player movement opportunities to further strengthen their championship aspirations in the coming years?
The Bombers have identified a need for additional firepower in their forward line, particularly in small or medium-sized forwards. Martin emerges as one of several potential trade targets for Essendon in 2024.
Martin is likely available from Carlton, who is also looking to bolster their forward line. Despite some injury concerns, acquiring Martin could be a low-cost move for Essendon, both in terms of trade assets and salary. If Essendon can manage Martin’s fitness effectively, he has the potential to significantly enhance their attacking potency with his ground-level skills and aerial ability when required, complementing Matt Guelfi’s role as a pressure forward.
The top-tier transaction on this roster, Stengle is expected to attract lucrative offers in the market throughout the year.
As an unrestricted free agent, clubs such as Essendon and St Kilda are reportedly eager to secure his services, without needing to trade any draft picks to acquire the All-Australian small forward.
Stengle is anticipated to command a salary exceeding $700,000 per year in his next contract. The Cats are actively pursuing him, with Stengle considering offers from various clubs this off-season, leaning towards the highest bidder.
Given Essendon’s recent adjustments to their salary cap, they may have the financial flexibility to outbid both Geelong and St Kilda, securing Stengle without additional costs beyond his salary.
3. Joe Richards
Currently without a contract for next season and reportedly attracting interest from rival clubs, Richards’ brief stint in the AFL has already demonstrated his readiness for the top level.
Originally from Wangaratta, Richards impressed in the VFL during his debut season with Collingwood last year and has since progressed to feature under coach Craig McRae in 2024, making his AFL debut in Round 9 against West Coast.
In his three games so far, Richards has averaged 17.33 disposals per game and scored a goal in each match, showcasing his comfort at senior level early in his career.
Richards made his debut during a period when Collingwood was missing key forwards Beau McCreery, Jamie Elliott, and newcomer Lachie Schultz, positioning himself on the fringe of selection in a fully fit squad.
Given Collingwood’s deep roster of small forwards, Richards might consider a move to Essendon, where he could secure a regular starting role each week.
4. Chad Wingard
Last year, Collingwood made a bold move for Wingard, the former Port Adelaide best and fairest winner, and Essendon might consider a similar move this year.
Wingard is currently recovering from an Achilles injury that cut short his 2023 season. Hawthorn chose to delist him with plans to re-select him as a rookie, prompting Collingwood to make a late bid for the veteran half-forward amid the Hawks’ roster adjustments.
Since his last appearance for Hawthorn, Wingard’s role under Sam Mitchell’s leadership may have diminished with the arrivals of Jack Ginnivan and Nick Watson, alongside Dylan Moore’s breakout season and Luke Breust’s continued impact.
As an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, could Essendon pursue Wingard for his crafty attacking abilities?
His experience and potential as a free acquisition could inject vitality into the Bombers’ forward line as they seek to enhance their attacking potency.
5. Riley Garcia
At the end of his contract with the Western Bulldogs, Garcia had been enjoying his most productive seasons until his recent omission from the lineup, with coach Luke Beveridge indicating areas for improvement in the VFL.
Prior to being sidelined, Garcia was on the verge of matching his career-high for games in a single season by the midway point, while also posting career-best averages for disposals, clearances, tackles, inside 50s, marks, and goals per game.
Among several Bulldogs players fulfilling half-forward and midfield roles under Beveridge, there’s intense competition for senior spots, making it challenging for Garcia to reclaim his spot in the AFL squad.
Given his contract situation and strong performances this season, Garcia could emerge as an economical recruitment option for clubs like Essendon at season’s end.
