Delisted Essendon defender Kaine Baldwin's AFL career may not be over at Tullamarine, with a spot in the Bombers' pre-season training program expected to be handed to the recently culled utility.
Baldwin was one of three players axed from Essendon's list just days after the club's 2024 campaign to an end, with young forward Tex Wanganeen and experienced half-back Nick Hand also both offered new deals for the 2025 season.
The departure of Baldwin came after an injury-riddled year for the 22-year-old, who didn't play a game at either AFL or VFL level due to multiple setbacks relating to a foot injury.
The South Australian was drafted to the Bombers as a key forward through the 2021 Supplemental Selection Period, with Baldwin transitioning to a defensive slot to start last season, playing four games at AFL level that year to double his career games tally.
The 193cm swingman is still recovering from a navicular injury that has hampered his year since February, with full contact training still out of reach until December for Baldwin.
Despite the concerns, Essendon are reportedly open to handing Baldwin an opportunity to train with the club over the summer in a bid to earn back a spot on the club's list.
According toย News Corp,ย the Bombers are expected to have Baldwin back at The Hangar should he not earn a reprieve elsewhere.
Having been delisted, Baldwin can be recruited to another club via delisted free agency or through the draft period should he nominate.
An impressive and healthy pre-season could see Baldwin relisted by Essendon through the SSP early next year, with another year on the rookie list available to the key position talent after the AFL extended the maximum years to five.
St Kilda planned to have former wingman Daniel McKenzie train at Moorabbin earlier this year after he was delisted by the Saints following the 2023 season, however an unprecedented draft change saw the club left without a spot for the midfielder, who was forced to look elsewhere.
McKenzie trained with Fremantle over the summer in the hope of securing a second chance before suffering a calf injury that ruled out his plans to also train with Gold Coast. McKenzie eventually found a new home in the form of VFL club Port Melbourne for the 2024 season.
