Five trade targets for every AFL club: Essendon Bombers

A Blues tall, big name free agent and out-of-favour Lion make up our wish list for the Dons.

STAFF WRITER | July 10, 2023 - 5:54pm

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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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4. 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.