A return to Tullamarine for Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti could be on the cards yet following reports that the 29-year-old had recently met with the club.
However, the Bombers aren't the only horse in the race for the McDonald-Tipungwuti's signature, with Fremantle having gauged the forward's interest as well.
The narrative of an AFL return arose during the exchange period after the former Bomber's manager, Scott Lucas, told AFL Trade Radio conversations had been had.
"It is something he is contemplating, and he has had a very brief, informal chat to Freo through a couple of existing relationships there," Lucas said.
"Then of course he is an Essendon player still at this stage, despite retiring, so they have also had a rather informal chat to him about what he's thinking.
"That's really where it sits at the moment, and it's something we'll work through with both parties, and more importantly Anthony himself."
Having departed the Dons mid-way through their dismal 2022 season, McDonald-Tipungwuti is reportedly toying with the idea of coming out of retirement.
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Lucas has since stressed that the former Rookie Lister has regained both his fitness and passion for the game.
"He's in a really good headspace, and physically he's also in a better position than he was at the end of his time with Essendon," Lucas was quoted by AFL Media.
"It is certainly something he's considered, and he has had a conversation with both of those clubs."
Should the Gippsland Power product opt to start his career again across the Nullarbor, it would require being delisted and relisted again via the draft.
After jumping from the Bombers' VFL program to debut at the senior level in Round 1 of the 2016 season, McDonald-Tipungwuti became a fan favourite of Essendon fans everywhere, slotting 153 majors across the course of his 126 AFL appearances.
Essendon will enter November's National Draft armed with picks 4, 22, 54, 62, 68, 72 and 80, whereas Fremantle's hand includes the 30th, 44th, 67th, 76th and 89th selections.