Essendon has received an extra two rookie list spots (Category A) for 2027 as part of the AFL's assistance package.
The Bombers were asking for help after the club claimed the wooden spoon following two victories and a measly percentage of 64.6.
Clubs to have recently successfully applied for AFL assistance include West Coast, North Melbourne and Gold Coast, who all rallied after elongated periods of struggle.
Last year, the Eagles received an end-of-first-round pick as well as four additional rookie list spots, which is something the Bombers were gunning for.
West Coast on-traded that selection to secure Brisbane premiership defender Brandon Starcevich.
The AFL denied that part of Essendon's request, given the introduction of the compensatory selection bottom-five clubs receive when bidding on a club-linked player. The Bombers have Pick 1, and are expected to bid on Port Adelaide academy prospect Doughie Cochrane or Carlton father-son gun Cody Walker.
The Bombers' two extra rookie list spots will be reviewed at the end of 2027.
“It is important that we strive to maintain a competitively balanced competition so that fans feel their team can win on any given day,” AFL football boss Greg Swann said.
“We have been working with Essendon to identify areas where targeted assistance can support its on-field improvement to return to being competitive.
“The addition of two Rookie List positions will provide Essendon with greater flexibility to invest in additional talent.”
The AFL and the Bombers will also have the ability to use a third Category B list spot for First Nations prospects.
Essendon's new coach Mark McVeigh was named as Brad Scott's successor after beating out James Hird, Jaymie Graham and Murray Davis.
