Former Essendon tall Kaine Baldwin has bid farewell to the Bombers following his failed SSP stint over the summer.
Baldwin was one of three train-on players at Tullamarine during the pre-season, with WAFL forward Tom Edwards and VFL-listed defender Will Hoare also competing for the sole list spot on offer.
Following a luckless few seasons in the red and black due to injury, Baldwin was given the chance to win back a contract with Essendon after being delisted back in August.
Recruited out of the SANFL back in 2021, Baldwin originally joined the Tullamarine club via the Supplemental Selection Period after successfully trialling for a contract under ex-coach Ben Rutten.
The Glenelg product was recruited as a key forward and would break through for an AFL debut in his second season in the top flight, with injuries keeping the versatile key position talent to just eight senior appearances in four years.
Despite a difficult spell during his time in the red sash, Baldwin took to Instagram to thank the club and reflect on his time in the system after not being offered the last list spot for 2025.
"Wished nothing more than to continue my AFL career at Essendon, but walk away very proud with incredible friends and memories," the 22-year-old wrote.
"Thank you to everyone involved with this journey.
"4 years really does go by in a blink."
Baldwin's next move after his summer spell with Essendon is yet to be confirmed, with the 193cm utility looming as a top recruit for any lower-level club nearing the start of their new season.
The SSP's more unsuccessful stories this year have seen recently listed AFL names head to the state league scene, with ex-Carlton backman Sam Durdin (Box Hill) and former St Kilda tall James Van Es (Port Melbourne) joining new clubs for 2025 after training with the Blues and Eagles respectively.
The Western Bulldogs have decided against signing either train-on prospect Brayden Crossley or Dom Brew out of the VFL, with the pair set to return to grand finalists Southport and Werribee respectively.
Carlton are set to make a decision on their final list spot ahead of Friday's SSP deadline, with ex-Hawthorn defender Denver Grainger-Barras in the mix for a contract at Princes Park.
Blues VFL quartet Ethan Phillips, Liam McMahon, Francis Evans and Will White are also said to be considered for the spot, with all four to remain with Carlton's reserves should they fall short in their pursuit of an AFL chance.
