Essendon have reportedly invited Swan Districts forward Tom Edwards to train with the club this pre-season as part of the Supplemental Selection Period.
The Bombers have one list spot free for the 2025 season and have had VFL backman Will Hoare and recently delisted swingman Kaine Baldwin competing for the vacancy over the summer so far.
A decision is yet to be made by Essendon on either SSP prospect, with Baldwin pushing for another chance after an injury-hit spell under Brad Scott.
The Bombers are now said to be turning their attention to forward options for their last remaining list spot, with The West Australian reporting Edwards will link up with the Dons' AFL squad next week.
Edwards, 25, played 19 games in the WAFL last year for a return of 39 goals from 66 scoring shots, averaging 11.9 disposals and 4.7 marks per game.
That season followed a 31-goal campaign for the Swans the year prior, with Edwards featuring at the senior state league level on a total of 66 occasions since debuting in 2020.
Edwards is a strong-marking left-footer who could place some pressure on senior forwards at Tullamarine, with the likes of Peter Wright and Harrison Jones seen as no certainties to be part of Scott's lineup for Opening Round against the Suns.
The Bombers will likely be spearheaded by two-time leading goalkicker Kyle Langford in 2025, with second-year target Nate Caddy likely by his side.
The club will only be allowed two listed SSP train-on prospects per open list spot, meaning one of Hoare or Baldwin could be forced to make way for the incoming Edwards. The Bombers could keep Baldwin as a train-on talent and still have Hoare train with the senior squad as an addition out of their VFL program.
The SSP runs through to February 21, giving Edwards less than a month to prove his value in a training stint. The Bombers are scheduled to take on the Western Bulldogs in a practice game at Whitten Oval prior to that deadline.
AFL clubs are not required to fill remaining open list spots during the SSP, with leftover vacancies able to be filled via the Mid-Season Draft.