Essendon is expected to "make an inquiry" regarding frustrated North Melbourne youngster Zane Duursma in this upcoming trade period.
Duursma is contracted for next year, but would consider a fresh start after struggling to cement his spot in the Kangaroos senior side.
The former Pick 4 has played 23 games (six involved as the sub) in his first two seasons, but hasn't lived up to the hype like some of his draft class, namely Harley Reid, Nick Watson, Daniel Curtin, Caleb Windsor, Nate Caddy and teammate Colby McKercher.
Herald Sun's Jay Clark is reporting that Duursma "has emerged as a potential wildcard" for the Bombers, and could unite with older brother Xavier, who has been at the club for the past two years.
"Rivals expect Essendon to make an inquiry about partnering the Gippsland product, with his brother, Xavier, at Tullamarine when the trade period officially opens and talks ramp up next week," Clark said.
"While the Kangaroos have not given up on Duursma, North could have their heads turned if a rival was prepared to make a strong play for him with an early pick."
Essendon has a bevy of selections at its disposal (Picks 4, 5, 23 and 26), which could be enhanced by the Sam Draper compensation as well as any Zach Merrett trade.
The Bombers landed an extra first-round pick after completing a trade with Melbourne last year.
Draper will join Brisbane as a free agent, and the compensation has yet to be determined, although it could fall in the first round.
The Bombers have been steadfast on not trading Merrett, despite his intention to join Hawthorn after meeting with coach Sam Mitchell during the finals series.
Gold Coast's Sam Flanders is also a player of interest to the Tullamarine club as he weighs up a move to Victoria, with Carlton, Melbourne and St Kilda throwing their hat in the ring.
It is understood that Essendon has topped the whopping $900,000 five-year deal the Saints offered Flanders.
If North Melbourne farewelled Duursma, it would likely see itself back into the first round of the 2025 National Draft.
The Kangaroos traded out their 2025 first pick last year to land Matt Whitlock on the night, sending it to Richmond.
North's first Pick comes at 21, and is followed by 22, 40 and 58, which will largely get pushed out due to NGA and father-son prospects.
The 2025 free agency period will begin on Friday, October 3, while the trade period opens on Monday, October 6.
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