Blame Brad Scott if you like, but these senior Essendon players should be on notice

March 23, 2026 — 3:31pm

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Not all purges create successful rebuilds, but all successful rebuilds start with a clearing out of players who are not seen to be part of the future.

Chris Fagan took a season to assess his stock at the Brisbane Lions, Graham Wright moved on a bunch of Magpies to relieve a salary cap squeeze and fill needs, Alastair Clarkson dumped some favourite sons at the Hawks, and Luke Beveridge found himself dealing with a new crop after the departure lounge became full before he arrived at the Bulldogs. Melbourne’s Steven King acted early at the Demons.

At Essendon, they have built the Hotel California where you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.

Since 2020, two free agents, Sam Draper and Joe Daniher have departed.

‘It’s too familiar’: Why Essendon are a bottom four side, and no one is surprised

Five players, Orazio Fantasia, Adam Saad, Aaron Francis, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Jake Stringer have been traded out. Massimo D’Ambrosio was lost to Hawthorn after the club was caught napping on his contract and realised he could walk as a delisted free agent if he wasn’t traded. Jayden Laverde was delisted on his way to the........

© The Sydney Morning Herald