Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel is reportedly still a chance of being dealt from the Bombers prior to Wednesday evening's trade deadline.
The unlikeliness of a Shiel exchange rests on the fact that Essendon has numerous prioritised dealings to navigate in the lead-up to Wednesday night.
That business includes facilitating the departures of defenders Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Massimo D'Ambrosio to Port Adelaide and Hawthorn respectively, while bringing in Power wingman Xavier Duursma, who recently indicated his desire to be traded to the Hangar.
All this after the Bombers acquired free agents Ben McKay and Todd Goldstein from North Melbourne, and Jade Gresham from St Kilda.
The potential for Shiel to depart Tullamarine via trade before Wednesday's deadline has been described as an "outside, low percentage chance", according to AFL Mediaย journalist Cal Twomey on Tuesday morning.
However, Twomey notes clubs haven't ruled out the option, going on to claim his situation is 'one to follow' before Wednesday's 7:30 PM (AEDT) trade window closure.
Clubs havenโt absolutely ruled Dylan Shiel out as a live trade option, albeit being seen as an outside, low percentage chance. Two years to run on his contract. Dons involved in Zerk-Thatcher, Duursma, DโAmbrosio deals and pick swaps, but Shiel also one to follow before deadline.
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) October 16, 2023
Essendon acquired Shiel from the GWS Giants at the end of the 2018 season, with the speedy midfielder having played five seasons at Tullamarine since.
The 30-year-old managed an average of 18.7 disposals per game in 2023, representing the lowest season tally in his career.
Shiel isn't scheduled to come out of contract until the end of next year.
