Out-of-favour Essendon midfielder Ben Hobbs is reportedly being eyed off by rival clubs.
Hobbs - who has featured in 10 games throughout 2024 - has struggled to cement his spot in the Bombers side, as the emergence of Jye Caldwell and Sam Durham has seen them leapfrog him.
Despite being contracted for one more season, Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark believes clubs could be gearing up to lure the former Pick 13 elsewhere.
“Ben Hobbs' future is really interesting,” began Clark on Fox Footy's Midweek Tackle.
“The midfield squeeze is on at the Bombers ... they've got Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish, Jye Caldwell — who signed for four years today — has been on a rocket; he's become an A-grader.
“Sam Durham will finish in the top three (of Essendon's) best-and-fairest. Plus, outside of that, they've got Dylan Shiel, Will Setterfield — who had 43 touches in the VFL a week ago — Elijah Tsatas can't get a game, and Hobbs, who played 18 games last year averaging 20 touches (but) can't get a game (this year).
“He's played 10 games this year, averaging 13 possessions — he's on a massive slide. He is a ready-made midfielder that rival clubs are looking at, at the moment.”
Collingwood and Richmond have been flagged as potential landing spots.
This could become an issue for the Bombers, with fellow midfielder Elijas Tsatas also being watched closely.
Alike Hobbs, Tsatas has struggled to lock down a position under Brad Scott in 2024, playing only seven games, mainly as the substitute.
Essendon's midfield squeeze continues to rear its ugly head with former first-round picks Archie Perkins and Will Setterfield failing to make a significant impact in the senior side.
Hobbs began as the sub in the Round 22 one-point loss to Gold Coast and will be keen to remain in the side.
Essendon will face Sydney on Friday to keep their season alive, while a date with Brisbane follows in a tough fortnight for the club.