Essendon is preparing to be one of the most active clubs come the end of 2026, targeting yet another upcoming free agent - and this offer is set to be their biggest ever.
The Bombers' have set their eyes set on Hawthorn youngster Josh Weddle.
“The Dons have put forward a deal of at least seven years at more than $1mil a season (to Weddle),” reports the AFL’s Cal Twomey.
“The entirety would nudge $10mil, which would be a club record.”
MORE: Can Zac Bailey afford to stay at Brisbane? - AFL trade news
It was further reported weeks ago that Essendon are set to circle Zac Bailey, who is also a 2026 free agent, in a bid to pry him out of Brisbane come the end of next season.
"Essendon is preparing a massive offer to try and lure Zac Bailey,” as reported by the AFL's Cal Twomey on Gettable.
“My belief is it will be six plus years and around the $1.3 million dollar figure per year.”
Two separate long-term offers shows Essendon’s clear intent to secure a true cornerstone player to build their future around, whilst either contract would become the most lucrative in Essendon’s history they be accepted.
The Dons were relatively quiet in this year’s trade period - only losing ruckman Sam Draper to Brisbane, and acquiring Gold Coast’s Brayden Fiorini.
But the club’s decision to avoid major moves in 2025 may be a purposeful move, with the hope to optimise their salary cap space for the 2026 free agency window.