Essendon has regressed this year from their 2021 season which saw the Bombers earn a finals berth, with pressure mounting on second-year senior coach Ben Rutten.
However, amid the doom and gloom of their 2022 campaign, the Dons boast a young and promising list as three youngsters, supplemental selection period recruit Nic Martin, first-round draftee Ben Hobbs and mid-season draftee Massimo D'Ambrosio, achieved Rising Star nominations through 16 rounds.
Over the course of last year's trade and free agency period, Essendon acquired the services of unrestricted free agent defender Jake Kelly from the Crows.
Taking into account Essendon's recent activity during the trade and free agency period and the likelihood of them being key players again this year, we've named five potential targets for the Bombers to consider.
4. Angus Brayshaw
Brayshaw has showcased impressive positional versatility with Melbourne this season, playing a crucial intercept role off half-back while also offering hardness at the contest and an ability to win his own ball.
The 26-year-old would undoubtedly slot in beautifully across half-back, playing alongside McGrath, Hind and Mason Redman.
Brayshaw qualifies as a restricted free agent this year, meaning Essendon would have to attempt to sign the hybrid Demon to an offer sheet and if Melbourne were to match that, attempt to orchestrate a trade.
While this would appear the least realistic of the five targets, with Brayshaw having won a premiership with the Demons last season and currently holding many close relationships with his Melbourne teammates, the Dons would be derelict in their duties to not at least attempt to lure Brayshaw to Tullamarine.
