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: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD
Some front-half fire-power is likely to be high on the list within Essendon's recruitment strategy this year, with small or medium forwards a preference.
The first of several attacking options we've listed as potential trade targets for Essendon to consider, Martin is unlikely to cost the Bombers much draft capital in any trade.
With the Blues also keen to add to their attacking contingent, Martin could be on the outer and would be open to any potential suitor needing some run and spark in the front third.
He comes with some injury concerns, but if the Bombers can get Martin fit and firing, he'd prove to be a bargain recruit who is unlikely to cost much on the trade table or salary.
With Matt Guelfi playing the pressure forward role, Martin can be the damaging ground-level threat who also offers some prowess in the air when required.
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.
Still unsigned for next year and said to be in the sights of rival clubs already, Richards' three games in the top flight could be enough to know the mature-aged recruit is AFL material.
The Wangaratta product endured impressed in the VFL during his first campaign with Collingwood last year and has since taken the next step to feature under coach Craig McRae in 2024, making his debut in Round 9 against West Coast.
Richards has averaged 17.33 disposals per game and booted one goal in each performance to look at ease at senior level just three games into his career.
His debut came at a time when the Magpies were without premiership staples Beau McCreery and Jamie Elliott and recruit Lachie Schultz, with Richrds potentially on the fringes of selection with a fully fit squad.
With such a long small forward pecking order at the Magpies, would Richards consider a switch to Essendon where he could be a first-team start each week?
Collingwood came calling for Wingard last year in what was a bold play by the premiers, and it could be a move Essendon mulls this year.
Wingard is still working his way back from an Achilles injury that ended his 2023 season. The Hawks decided to delist the Port Adelaide best and fairest winner with intentions to re-select him as a rookie, with the Magpies making a late move for the veteran half-forward given the risky list manoeuvre.
Since his last game in the brown and gold, Wingard's reliance in Sam Mitchell's side is likely to have taken a hit given the arrivals of Jack Ginnivan and Nick Watson, while Dylan Moore is enjoying a breakout year and Luke Breust continues to press his case.
With Wingard eligible as an unrestricted free agent at season's end, would Essendon consider a play for the crafty attacking threat?
His experience and upside as a free-signing option could provide some spark in the Bombers' front half as they look to sharpen their spear.
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.