Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo has shared his perspective on the Bombers' free agency outlook heading into the latter portion of the year, stating the club is in a "reasonable" financial position to make moves if it sees fit.
Vozzo, formerly the West Coast Eagles' list and football boss, was appointed to the high-ranking role at the Hangar in late November following Andrew Thorburn's short-lived stint as CEO.
Talking toย The Age, Vozzo remained coy about Essendon's plans this year, choosing not to divulge too much information, however, his words suggest his club may be aggressive if it believes there are players worth pursuing.
"I don't look at things like that (windows of contention). I look at where we're at from a draft perspective and then where we're at from a free agency perspective, so if you've got any opportunity you take it," Vozzo said.
"It's such an even comp, so if you've got an opportunity to improve your list by free agency, whether you're a young developing list or a list that's ready to contend, really good free agents, really good players, are very attractive in both scenarios.
"We're in a reasonable position from a salary cap perspective โ the list, itself, I see as being young and at the stage now of growth. So, we put a lot of effort into resourcing development within the coaching department.
"We're looking forward to seeing that growth, particularly over our first 12 months, to work out where our current reality is, and then we'll make list management decisions with that experience in mind."
In the midst of a re-tool with a youthful list, Essendon's options are open, particularly considering Vozzo's stance that the Bombers' salary cap position is viable.
The Bombers didn't add to its list via free agency last year, however, they did trade for ex-Demon Sam Weideman and former Blue Will Setterfield.
Essendon has started the 2023 season 2-0 and is preparing to face St Kilda at the MCG on Saturday, April 1.
