Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro has reportedly met with former Carlton defender Liam Jones, who has eyed a potential return to the AFL as early as next season.
Jones called time on his tenure at Princes Park at the cessation of last season, deciding not to follow the AFL's mandated vaccine policy introduced for 2022.
While the league are yet to remove the mandate, it could look to do so for next season as the nation returns to normality, potentially opening up a second chance for Jones to compete in the AFL.
The 31-year-old has plied his trade in the QAFL with Palm Beach Currumbin this year in looking to keep his fitness and form up to rejoin the AFL arise.
Now, according to 7 News, the Bombers may be showing some level of interest in signing Jones should he be made available.
The network have reported that Dodoro and Jones "informally met" over a cup of coffee in Queensland, with discussions around a potential return to the AFL for Jones.
Jones, who played 161 career games between the Blues and Bulldogs, could add to Essendon's youthful backline, which has been without veteran Michael Hurley for the last 18 months due to ongoing setbacks.
The Bombers could look to bolster their defence, and may be able to do so cheaply with the acquisition of Jones, who would be available for no cost should the AFL give unvaccinated players the green light ahead of 2023.
Jones recently told 7 News of his hopes to eventually return to the top flight.
“It’s just one of those things that is sort of not in anyone else’s control, but the world’s really," Jones said.
“So I’ll just train as hard as I can, play as hard as I can and cross that bridge when we come to it.
“I’ve been training really hard and I feel like I’m as fit as I’ve ever been,” he said.
“In my opinion, I feel like I’ve still got my best football ahead of me."
It is unknown whether Carlton would receive any compensation should Jones return to the AFL and not link up with his former side.