Major Essendon update as veteran expected to exit: AFL trade news

Essendon and Dylan Shiel, 32, have reportedly "mutually agreed" to part ways at the end of the season.

The Bombers are set to make difficult list calls, given the influx of prospects they secured through the SSP and MSD periods due to multiple season-ending injuries.

The Tullamarine-based club has 14 players without deals beyond 2025 after developing ruckman Nick Bryan penned a two-year extension.

"One more player at the Bombers is Dylan Shiel," AFL Media's Cal Twomey said on Gettable.

"Coming to the end of that mega deal he signed after coming from the Giants. I can say it's been mutually agreed that he won't be at Essendon next year.

"There's been those mature conversations around the player and the club, and there won't be a deal for him.

"If there was an offer for him, I'm not sure he'd take it at the Bombers. He's probably ready for that fresh change. He'd love to play on and go elsewhere."

Vigo Visentini is also tipped to extend his time at the Bombers after impressing during his two matches.

Veteran ruckman Todd Goldstein is still weighing up his future and will look at a 19th season in the AFL.

Former first-round pick Ben Hobbs is seen as "gettable" to rival clubs, while no offer has been presented to Jaxob Prior.

Free agent Sam Draper has yet to decide whether to move to Adelaide or Brisbane.

The Bombers have pitched the partnership of Bryan and Draper to the latter in the hope that he'll remain in Essendon colours.

Embed from Getty Images

"They're very close (friends)," Bombers coach Brad Scott said.

"We've been really clear in terms of we'd like to have that ruck partnership into the future.

"The indication with changes to the sub rule only strengthens that case to play two rucks."

The trio of MSD prospects Liam McMahon, Lachie Blakiston and Oskar Smartt have impressed in their short time at the club.

Alwyn Davey, Jayden Laverde, and Jye Menzie have all spent time in the reserves in 2025.

Luamon Lual has cemented his spot in the senior side in recent weeks, while the injured Will Setterfield was playing strong football before he was ruled out in Round 18.

Click here to read article