Essendon has officially lodged paperwork with the AFL to sign North Melbourne veteran Todd Goldstein, with the league approving the move.
Meanwhile, restricted free agent Ben McKay is also expected to find his way to Tullamarine.
While McKay holds restricted status this year, Goldstein is an unrestricted free agent, as both look to depart Arden Street this off-season.
The Bombers officially filed Goldstein's requisite paperwork late Monday afternoon.
The AFL has received and approved paperwork for Unrestricted Free Agent Todd Goldstein to sign with Essendon.
— AFL House (@AFL_House) October 9, 2023
Goldstein was also thought to have been targeted by Collingwood, while McKay is understood to have elected Essendon in favour of Hawthorn.
According to Zero Hanger's Mitchell Keating earlier on Monday, the Bombers had submitted the paperwork to acquire both McKay and Goldstein, with McKay's deal expected to be a six-year agreement at Tullamarine.
Essendon have lodged paperwork for restricted FA pair Ben McKay (6yr deal). Goldstein and Gresham acquisitions expected early into this week.
Dons have shut down Dylan Shiel and Ollie Wines murmurs @zerohanger
— Mitchell Keating (@MitchKeat) October 9, 2023
The Kangaroos can match Essendon's offer for McKay and force the Bombers to strike a trade agreement, with that scenario dependent on the likely AFL draft compensation heading back to the Hangar.
North Melbourne list manager Brady Rawlings on Monday stated the Roos would "definitely" match Essendon's McKay offer if the prospective compensation isn't the No. 3 selection.
The pair appear set to link up with former North Melbourne coach Brad Scott at Essendon, with both McKay and Goldstein set to see plenty of senior opportunities to commence their Bombers tenures.
Key defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher is likely headed to Port Adelaide, while ruckman Sam Draper is still under a considerable injury cloud heading into the 2024 season.
The trade period closes on Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 PM (AEDT).
