Essendon doesn't pose as a preferred destination, languishing at the bottom of the AFL ladder with no senior coach after Brad Scott's sacking.
But the lure of playing in marquee games for a big Victorian club still has some pull in the competition, as well as an attached dollar figure, which is likely to be more than at rival clubs.
Scott, in his outgoing speech, revealed the Bombers had held firm on its salary cap spending, withholding a war chest as they hit the draft with purpose.
But will they use this money in a bid to rejuvenate their list?
This is the first of our annual mid-season Trade Target specials, and we are starting from the bottom of the ladder and working our way up across the next month.
Here are five trade and free agency targets for 18th-placed Essendon to consider this year.
1Jed Walter
The Gold Coast forward has met with the Bombers and president Andrew Welsh, and is genuinely considering his future away from his home state.
Essendon needs a young, budding key forward to pair with Nate Caddy, as well as build the future of the club.
Walter has a significant offer from the Suns, but the deal would pale in comparison to what the Bombers could offer financially, as the AFL's baby struggle with keeping its salary cap contained.
The acquisition of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan last year forced a forward line squeeze, while Ben King's decision to either stay or depart is another factor the Gold Coast academy graduate to consider.
The former Pick 4 has played 38 games for the Suns.
