Five trade targets for every AFL club: Essendon Bombers

At the end of the 2022 season, Essendon decided to bring in just two players through the trade period. Utility midfielder Will Setterfield was added along with tall forward Sam Weideman.

This year, they're in line for a busier player movement window, but it won't just be players coming in that sees their list reshape. With both Darcy Parish and Mason Redman possibly departing the club at the season's end through free agency, replacements could be needed.

The Bombers' success so far in 2023 wasn't predicted, with a top 10 pick seemingly out of the question thanks to their impressive start under Brad SCott. The one area that they have desperately needed is key position talent at either end of the field, and with the possible departures of their two free agents, they'll have money and compensation to spend in 2023.

After a quieter trade period in 2022 for the Bombers, expect them to make some big moves prior to the 2024 season.

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Ben McKay

The 25-year-old North Melbourne defender seems to be the player that the Bombers desperately need. McKay has played in 12 out of a possible 17 games due to an injury that ruled him out at the start of the season.

At 202cm tall, McKay would slot into the Bombers' backline providing some much-needed height in the undersized back six. Averaging a career-high 12.3 disposals and 6.4 marks, McKay would provide that tall presence that the Bombers have lacked over the last few years.

With rival clubs also showing interest in McKay, the Bombers will need to make their ambitions known soon before it's too late. He's the best possible free agent that would suit their needs.

From McKay's perspective, the possibility of being the key defender in a side such as Essendon has much more appeal than being on the receiving end of a demolition week in, week out...

Jake Riccardi

Off-contract Giant Jake Riccardi could provide some consistency in the Essendon forward line. Although the Bombers aren't lacking in height up forward with the likes of Peter Wright and Sam Weideman, Riccardi could be the key forward for the future that looks to match Wright's reign as their first-string spearhead.

With Weideman underperforming throughout 2023 and Wright's injury struggles, the consistency of Riccardi would be useful. Hawthorn has shown some interest in the 23-year-old, with the key forwards future still up in the air.

So far in 2023, the Giant has booted a career-high 16 goals. If given the opportunity to play for a big club like Essendon, could he relish in the role as a key forward?

Tom Fullarton

Out-of-favour Brisbane key forward Tom Fullarton could be a potential pickup for the Dons. A utility-type player who can play in a multitude of positions, Fullarton could be a useful asset both up forward and potentially down in the backline as a bargain recruit.

The 200cm ex-basketballer needs a club where he can grow. Unfortunately with the talls of Joe Daniher, Eric Hipwood, Harris Andrews and Jack Gunston, getting a game in Brisbane's side seems unlikely.

He hasn't managed a senior game all season, only playing a total of 19 since 2022, however has been among the VFL's best forwards so far this year.

Could Fullarton be the possible tall talent that the Bombers are looking for?

Jake Waterman

The Eagles player has shown signs of being a damaging forward in a struggling football side. Whilst there isn't much to like about West Coast in 2023, Waterman has proven that he can take contested marks and kick a couple of handy goals when called upon.

Despite his brother Alec being delisted by Essendon at the end of the 2022 season, Jake could be used as a rotation-type player for the Dons.

With Kyle Langford having to be a forward target for most of 2023, Waterman could alleviate him from that role allowing Langford to move back into the mid-forward position or as a player that can offer his duties as a swingman.

Tom De Koning

One of the most talked about trade targets throughout the year has been Tom De Koning. The versatile tall has been linked to a move all season, with Geelong, Sydney and St Kilda reported as interested suitors. He'd be a useful inclusion at any club and would definitely aid Essendon.

The Blues tall could be a genuine forward who could occasionally rotate with Sam Draper in the ruck. At Carlton he's shown signs up forward, however, he has been played mostly as a sole ruckman when Marc Pittonet is injured.

De Koning wouldn't come cheap however, but the Dons would have the money to compete with rivals for his services.

At only 23 years of age, the upside in the ruck-forward is huge and could be a great pickup, if the price is right.