Essendon makes call on depth midfielder

Essendon has delisted onballer Will Setterfield after three seasons at the club.

The Bombers are considering opportunities for Setterfield during the Draft, Rookie, and SSP periods.

The right-footer was originally drafted by GWS with Pick 5 in the 2016 National Draft, but departed after two years to join Carlton.

Following a four-year stint and 55 games, the Sandringham Dragons product found his way to Tullamarine ahead of the 2023 season.

Setterfield added a further 27 matches to his tally, including 13 in 2025.

He was tasked with manning some of the competition's best midfielders, including Patrick Cripps and Marcus Bontempelli.

"With the final list lodgement coming today, we've made the difficult decision to delist Will ahead of the draft," Essendon football boss Daniel McPherson said.

"With our five selections this year, the reality is that we couldn't offer Will a list spot at this stage, but we're open to providing him an opportunity through the upcoming Draft, Rookie and SSP period.

"Will's handled a very difficult waiting period like the great character he is. As challenging as it's been to make the call, we wish him all the best going forward, whether he ends up back with us, or elsewhere."

Despite his delisting, it has been reported by Herald Sun's Jon Ralph that Setterfield has garnered interest around the competition.

He follows out the door Sam Draper (free agent, Brisbane), Alwyn Davey Jr (delisted), Todd Goldstein (delisted), Jayden Laverde (delisted), Jye Menzie (delisted), Dylan Shiel (delisted), Oskar Smartt (delisted), Ben Hobbs (delisted) and Luamon Lual (delisted).