Essendon has farewelled small forward duo Alwyn Davey Jr and Jye Menzie after it was revealed the pair would not be offered deals for next year.
Menzie joined the club through the 2022 Mid-Season Draft and played 48 games, kicking 36 goals in that period.
The SANFL product played a career-high 21 matches in 2023, where he averaged over a goal a game as the Bombers' small forward.
Davey, who followed in his father's footsteps to The Hangar, joined Essendon with Pick 45 in the 2022 intake.
The 21-year-old played 20 games for the Bombers, including marquee contests Anzac Day and Dreamtime at the 'G.
Davey joined the club with his brother, Jayden, who was delisted at the end of 2024 after failing to play a senior game.
"This is a difficult day, as it always is when we have to inform players of these kinds of decisions," said the Bombers' GM of AFL, Daniel McPherson.
"Jye Menzie came to the club via the mid-season draft and worked tirelessly to earn his spot. He's a fantastic competitor, and we're grateful for his contributions over the past few seasons.
"Alwyn Davey Jr. has been a valuable part of our program, carrying on the family legacy at Essendon. He's shown flashes of his brilliance at AFL and VFL levels, and we hope he can build on this as his football career continues.
"We thank both Jye and Alwyn for their contribution to the Essendon Football Club. They've been great teammates, and they leave the club with our best wishes."
Veteran midfielder Dylan Shiel is the only confirmed change to the club, with both parties mutually agreeing to part ways.
Essendon were given extra time to consolidate their player exit meetings and list due to the postponed clash with Gold Coast that followed Round 24.
Calls on Ben Hobbs, Jaxon Prior, Jayden Laverde, Lachlan Blakiston, Liam McMahon, Luamon Lual, Oskar Smartt, Sam Draper, Todd Goldstein and Will Setterfield are yet to be made official.
Draper has been linked to Adelaide and Brisbane as a free agent, while Laverde is understood to be a target for GWS to acquire defensive depth.
The Bombers also hold Picks 4, 5, 22 and 25 in the upcoming draft, and have indicated that they'll use all selections, forcing a greater squeeze on list spots.
