Essendon are often busy each and every trade and free agency window, and 2024 looks set to be no different as the Bombers assess the open market in a bid to strengthen their list.
The Dons had a successful off-season last year, recruiting Ben McKay, Jade Gresham and Todd Goldstein via free agency before swooping on Port Adelaide wingman Xavier Duursma in a trade that saw key defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher head to Alberton.
The club's list changes, coupled with the development of their emerging ranks, have seen Brad Scott's side rise into flag contention - sitting in reaching distance of second place on the ladder.
But still some margin from the summit, how will Essendon utilise this year's player movement space to further craft their flag credentials for the years to come?
We've assessed the list of needs at Essendon and the players the Bombers could target in 2024.
OTHER TRADE TARGETS:ย ADELAIDE,ย BRISBANE,ย CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD
2. Tyson Stengle
The big money move on this list, with Stengle set to fetch some lucrative offers on the open market across the course of this year.
His status as an unrestricted free agent reportedly has clubs like Essendon and St Kilda keen on his services, with neither club needing to hand over any draft picks to attain the All-Australian small forward.
Stengle is anticipated to fetch north of $700,000 per year in his next deal, with the Cats making their own case to the premiership forward, who is said to be open to joining the highest bidder this off-season.
With Essendon's shifting salary cap moves, space could be open on the Bombers' books to edge out the Cats and Saints and secure Stengle's signature for no cost outside of his wage.
