Restricted St Kilda free agent Jade Gresham has reportedly informed the Saints of his desire to play for Essendon.
Gresham was linked to the Bombers during the later stages of the home-and-away season after initially attracting interest from Carlton.
According toย AFL Mediaย journalist Cal Twomey on Monday afternoon, Gresham has decided on Tullamarine as his new home.
Jade Gresham has officially informed St Kilda he will be heading to Essendon as a free agent. Now just waiting to see the deal and on what the compensation is looking like - Bombers get their other two free agents today in McKay and Goldstein. @AFLcomau @traderadio
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) October 9, 2023
As Gresham holds a restricted status this year, the Saints can match a contending bid from Essendon and force the Bombers to orchestrate a trade deal.
However, such a decision will likely rest on the expected draft compensation going back to St Kilda.
Once the Bombers submit an offer to Gresham, St Kilda will have three days to consider matching.
In addition to the forward-midfielder, Essendon figures to land North Melbourne free agents Ben McKay and Todd Goldstein, for whom the Bombers have reportedly submitted the requisite paperwork with the AFL.
This year's free agency period concludes on Friday, October 13 at 5:00 PM (AEDT), while the trade period closes on Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 PM (AEDT).
