McLachlan has played only seven senior games since being the No.6 pick in the 2024 mid-season draft, and Essendon are keen to bring the medium-sized forward to Tullamarine. He has kicked 28 goals in nine VFL games this year. Carlton were raised elsewhere as a possible suitor, but are not believed to be interested.
Arthur Jones (Western Bulldogs)
The high half-forward has attracted interest from the Bombers after a breakout season with the Bulldogs, where he has proved a handy foil alongside Aaron Naughton. The Bulldogs want to retain him, but the 23-year-old has a decision to make. Essendon have also reportedly inquired about unrestricted free agent Lachie McNeil.
Nik Cox (Essendon)
Cox, the No.8 selection in the 2020 draft, had a torrid run on the sidelines while dealing with concussion, but has strung together some good performances in the VFL as a key forward. His injury history means rival clubs might be cautious to invest too much in trying to woo him.
Elijah Tsatas (Essendon)
Clubs could have made a play for him at the end of last season, but didnāt, and it appears Tsatas will have to wait to see whether the new Bombers coach wants to retain him for another season, or if he attracts interest after the dust has settled on more high-profile trade targets. Teammate and fellow top-10 draftee Archie Perkins is in a similar situation.
Jack Bowes (Geelong)
Bowes could be on his way to a third club, with Essendon ā who tried to woo him in the 2022 trade period, when Gold Coast were also dangling pick No.7 to get off his salary ā renewing interest in the winger. He chose the Cats back then, but has been in and out of Chris Scottās team this season and does not have a deal for next year.
Duursma is funny, looks like a guy that plays on confidence and needs to feel like he belongs, when he was up he looked good and was dangerous up forward.
If he was cheap, Iād be interested. A throw at the stumps on talent.
If heās for free or near enough, and we think maybe being in the same side as big bro will get his arse into gear, I guess it could be worth a shot.
But he goes missing way too easily and doesnāt defend anywhere near well enough for me to be overly excited about him. Got some cool tricks but not much else.
McLachlan - Yes worth a shot (Future 4th)
Jones - Yes, pick in the 20s
Bowes - Pass
McNeil - Free Agent to play a role - mmm maybe
Z.Duursma - only if through PSD
Iāve often thought we need another in between mid size forward flanker ish type. Just donāt have enough of them.
(Would take Duursma on the list for nothing/nearly nothing, but wouldnāt be confident. Agree on the Perkins comparison. Thereās a few tools there but not the whole package).