Essendon have announced it will not offer veteran midfielder Dylan Shiel a contract for 2026, ending his time at the club.
Shiel came to the Bombers in the 2018 trade period, where the Dons traded two first-round picks to GWS for the midfielder and a second-round pick.
He played 135 games for the Giants and has played 98 games for the Bombers in his seven years there, which included coming second in their best and fairest in his first year after the trade.
In a joint statement with Essendon, Shiel said he was ready to move on from the club and see if there are opportunities to play elsewhere.
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“I have mutually agreed with the Essendon Football Club to part ways. I believe the timing is right to explore continuing my career elsewhere if the opportunity arises. If not, I am ready to embrace the next phase of my life,” Shiel said.
"Essendon is a special club, one that has a presence in the big moments, and I loved being a part of it. I value the lifelong relationships I have formed at Essendon."
Essendon's general manager of AFL, Daniel McPherson, also spoke on Shiel's exit from the club saying the club was thankful for the midfielders time at the club.
“On behalf of everyone at the Essendon Football Club, I want to thank Dylan for his service. Dylan's professionalism has been a great example to his teammates throughout his time at the club," McPherson said.
“He had a profound impact on Essendon, and his willingness to mentor our younger midfielders has been invaluable. We thank Dylan for his contribution, and he will always be a part of the Essendon family."
In his last game for the Bombers, Shiel gathered 28 disposals and 469 metres gained in the 95-point loss to Gold Coast.