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
5. Riley Garcia
Off-contract at the Kennel, Garcia was enjoying his best seasons yet before last week's axing at selection, with coach Luke Beveridge believing the Western Australian had some areas of his game to work on in the VFL.
Before being dropped, Garcia was one game away from equalling his career-best tally for games in a single season at the halfway mark of the year while averaging career-highs for disposals, clearances, tackles, inside 50s, marks and goals per game.
One of several Bulldogs half-forward/midfield role players under Beveridge, there's a sizeable selection squeeze for senior roles and Garcia could find it hard to break back into the AFL team.
Given his contract status and efforts so far this year, Garcia could prove to be a cheaper recruit target for a club like Essendon at year's end.
