Defender Jordan Ridley has reportedly told the Essendon Bombers he wants out of the club, despite being contracted until 2029, with hopes of joining the Brisbane Lions.
According to 9 News' Tom Morris, the 26-year-old raised the prospect of a trade in his exit meeting last week, highlighting his frustrations with how the Bombers' have managed injuries. However, Essendon have shut down the idea, though Morris stated "the long-term deal [with Essendon] won't stop" Ridley from trying to complete a move.
Ridley's reasoning for wanting to join Brisbane "ideally" is due to his family connections in Queensland.
Ridley signed a three-year contract extension in February of 2024 to take his existing deal from 2026 to 2029. He has played 104 games for the Bombers since being drafted 22nd overall in the 2016 National Draft, dealing with a number of serious injury setbacks over his career, which has limited him to just 19 games over the past 24 months.
In 10 games this season, Ridley averaged 17.0 disposals, 3.3 rebound 50s and 5.5 marks per game.
"Jordan Ridley, the 2020 Essendon best and fairest, wants to be traded to the Brisbane Lions," Morris said on Footy Classified.
"Essendon will say he's committed to 2026. I can tell you tonight, he's not. He wants to play for the Lions next year.
"Essendon will say he's committed to 2026. I can tell you tonight he's not – he wants to play for the Lions next year."@tommorris32 with more details on his report that Jordan Ridley wants out of Essendon. #9FootyFurnace | Watch on Nine & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/NI1i31znuD
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) August 31, 2025
"Clearly, the stumbling block here, and it's more than that, is that he's contracted for another four years, and the Bombers see him as a very important part of their future.
"The injuries are the main reason for Jordan Ridley. He does have family connections up in Queensland, as well, but he's only played 19 games in the last two years. Quad, hip, hamstring. That's the premise for him to look for a new home."
