Axed Carlton midfielder Jaxon Binns has reportedly joined Essendon's VFL side ahead of the 2026 season, and looms as a potential Supplementary Selection Period option for the Bombers, with the 21-year-old training with the main group this pre-season.
Binns has arrived at the Hangar in shape, winning the club's 2km time trial on Monday, ousting last year's winner Angus Clarke, according to 7 News' Xander McGuire.
With Essendon's midfield stocks taking a hit following the delistings of Dylan Shiel, Luamon Lual and Ben Hobbs, Binns could present as a potential depth signing ahead of 2026, should he continue to impress during the pre-season with the AFL side.
Binns and the Blues came to an agreement in October that saw the 32nd pick from the 2022 National Draft depart Ikon Park after just eight senior games, five of which came in 2025, despite having a year left on his contract.
Jaxon Binns has taken out the first group in Essendon’s 2km time trial, finishing just ahead of last years winner Angus Clarke.
Binns was delisted by Carlton and has joined Essendon’s VFL program - while training with the main group in pre season. @7NewsMelbourne @7AFL
— Xander McGuire (@XanderMcGuire7) November 10, 2025
He was rewarded with a significant contract extension in 2023 through the 2026 season, despite failing to crack the AFL side, dominating at VFL level where he won the club's state-level best-and-fairest award.
The arrivals of key recruits Campbell Chesser (West Coast), Ben Ainsworth (Gold Coast), Will Hayward and Ollie Florent (Sydney) knocked Binns further down Carlton's pecking order in the engine room for 2026, meaning his opportunities for senior football would continue to be limited.
