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.
5. Tim Taranto
Taranto fits a similar mould to the Dogs' Dunkley, with the 24-year-old possessing a strong midfield body as well as a dangerous ability to go forward and kick goals.
The Bombers would hope Taranto follows in the footsteps of former Giant, Jye Caldwell, who requested a trade to the Bombers two trade periods ago.
The Giants' engine room is one of the most crowded in the AFL, with Josh Kelly, Tom Green, Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield and Jacob Hopper all major midfield occupiers, so Taranto could request a trade home to Victoria if he does feel underappreciated as a midfielder in Western Sydney.
