Recently delisted Carlton tall Domanic Akuei has landed with Essendon's VFL program for next season after leaving the Blues.
The Bombers are expected to announce the signing of the 22-year-old for their 2025 campaign, which will be led by Dale Tapping as senior coach and assisted by former player Ricky Dyson.
Akuei, a product of Carlton's Next Generation Academy, joined the club's AFL list at the end of 2021 and spent three years at Princes Park for a return of 51 games at VFL level.
The 194cm backman played 15 games this year at the state league level, averaging 9.3 disposals and 3.5 marks as an interceptor.
Akuei will now trade the navy blue for a red sash, adding to Tapping's rearguard as one of the club's latest signings for the 2025 season.
The high-leaping backman will slot into a defensive line that was home to AFL-listed youngster and VFL best and fairest runner-up Lewis Hayes and promising stopper Will Hoare this year.
Hoare looms as a potential mature-aged draft chance for this week's AFL talent intake, with the 24-year-old having nominated for the National Draft, as has Akuei.
The Bombers could also welcome back delisted swingman Kaine Baldwin as a Supplemental Selection Period train-on option this pre-season, with an AFL list spot potentially available at Tullamarine for the 193cm defender.
Essendon may also look to cut Brisbane backman Jaxon Prior as an SSP recruit in the coming weeks, with the 23-year-old - who is the son of ex-Bomber Michael Prior - another formidable defender on the lookout for a new home.
The club's VFL program has acquired ex-Carlton and Geelong VFL midfielder Hamish Sinnott, former Gold Coast Academy prospect Charlton Offermans and Calder Cannons graduate Noah Scott for 2025.
Ex-AFL pair and VFL leaders Jackson Hately and Xavier O'Neill have also re-signed with Essendon after positive first seasons at the club.
The Bombers missed out on a VFL Wildcard Round placing by four points this year under Blake Caracella, amassing nine wins and as many losses for the season.