Former Western Bulldogs defender Brad Lynch is said to have received an invitation to train with Essendon over the pre-season, with the 25-year-old firming as a potential Supplemental Selection Period acquisition for the Bombers.

Lynch last played in the AFL in 2018, his debut year with the Bulldogs where he featured in nine matches at the senior level.

That season would be his only campaign in the top flight, however Lynch wasn't delisted by the Dogs for another two years.

Since his departure from the Kennel, Lynch has plied his trade in Queensland, playing five games for VFL club Southport in shortened 2021 season before landing at QAFL side Broadbeach this year.

According toย The West Australian,ย Essendon have invited Lynch to train at Tullamarine on a three-month contract that could see the Swan Districts product earn a second chance in the AFL.

Lynch is a versatile defensive talent, able to offer run and dash out of the backline as a medium-sized defender who can also play through the middle.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Brad Lynch of the Bulldogs celebrates a goal during the VFL Grand Final match between Footscray Bulldogs and Casey Scorpions
at Etihad Stadium on September 25, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The publication has reported that Lynch's move to Broadbeach was due to his reluctance to receive a COVID vaccination, a decision that wouldn't have permitted him to play in the VFL this year.

Lynch hails from Western Australia, having been drafted to the Bulldogs through the Rookie Draft in 2015 as a talent out of Swan Districts. It is understood that should an opportunity fail to arise at Essendon, Lynch will return to the Swans for the 2023 season.

Essendon have selected six players from the past three SSP windows, with Jacob Townsend, Henry Crauford, Alec Waterman, Kaine Baldwin, Tex Wanganeen and Nic Martin all heading to the Bombers in recent years after impressing through the pre-season.

The upcoming pre-season for AFL clubs is set to get underway in the coming weeks, with first-to-fourth-year players to begin their preparations as early as this month.

The SSP window won't open until the early months of next year, with clubs able to add list hopefuls to their training regime before deciding to sign them.