Essendon have reportedly listed VFL defender Will Hoare as a Supplemental Selection Period train-on prospect this summer, with the mature-aged chance to compete for the sole list spot on offer at Tullamarine.
Hoare has spent the past three seasons on the Bombers' VFL list but has made just the 21 appearances, with a breakout 2024 campaign seeing him play 16 games at the level in the red and black.
The 24-year-old is noted for his aerial impact as a tall defender, stopping the tape at 197cm and showing his efficiency as an intercepting asset under coach Blake Caracella this year.
Hoare averaged 13.5 disposals and 6.6 marks per game for Essendon's reserves this year to put his name forward as a potential draft chance.
While a selection wouldn't come for the Pascoe Vale and Northern Saints junior, Hoare is said to have been given the chance to train for an AFL list spot at Essendon.
According toย News Corp,ย Hoare's official SSP trial started over the weekend, with the Bombers assessing how they fill their last remaining list vacancy this pre-season.
The Bombers had two spots free to start the signing window but handed delisted Brisbane backman Jaxon Prior a contract for next year.
Culled Essendon swingman Kaine Baldwin is expected to train for a list spot and potentially rejoin Brad Scott's squad, having endured a luckless few years in the red sash due to injury.
Baldwin has played just eight AFL games in four years with the Bombers, who he joined as an SSP addition in 2021, and did not play a game at any level this year due to a navicular setback.
Despite the addition of Prior, it seems Essendon are looking to further bolster their backline with the train-on opportunities for both Hoare and Baldwin. Scott will be hoping to have top 10 draft pick Zach Reid back at full flight in 2025 following his own injury battles, while uncapped tall Lewis Hayes is entering his third season with the club after coming second in the club's VFL best and fairest count.
The Bombers can keep their list spot open for the 2025 Mid-Season Draft should they decide against signing a player via the SSP before the February 21 deadline.
