Essendon again firm as one of the major players in the upcoming trade and free agency window, while their draft hand has them in a strong position to add more youth or be aggressive in the player movement space.

Holding a pair of picks that will likely sit in the first 10 selections, as well as their future first-round picks, the Bombers have the capital to be creative in looking to strengthen their list.

An injury crisis has also allowed Brad Scott and his team to get a solid understanding of the club's depth, which has shown some good signs this year.

So, with a thirst to return to contention, a stacked draft hand and an aggressive nature come the off-season, who could Essendon target in 2025?

Here are five trade and free agency targets for Essendon to consider this year...

1Brandon Starcevich

Does the AFL's McClelland Trophy need to change?
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Callum Ah Chee and Brandon Starcevich of the Lions celebrate with the Premiership Cup and fans after winning the AFL Grand Final match between Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 28, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The Lions free agent has been tied to the Bombers as a player of interest this year, with the premiership defender weighing up his future in Queensland.

Starcevich could fetch interest from Western Australian clubs given his roots, but any club keen on adding a lockdown defender should be placing some attention on Starcevich's future.

Essendon have looked to Jaxon Prior as their medium-sized one-on-one defender, with Andrew McGrath taking on some of the game's best small forwards in 2025. The potential addition of Starcevich could alleviate both players, freeing them up to play as an interceptor and rebounder, respectively.

The big advantage in any move for Starcevich is his free agency status, but with a restricted tag, the Lions could match a rival's bid and force a trade deal instead.

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