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.
2Zac Bailey
The dual premiership Lion is tipped to depart Queensland at season's end, exercising his free agency rights.
Essendon has been working on Bailey for the better part of 12 months, and was understood to be preparing a mega offer worth around $8 million across six years.
His free agency status is a major drawcard for rivals wanting to convince the mid-forward to join their club. But what's Essendon's play?
Bailey has secured success at Brisbane, so financial freedom and future security may be in his mind, which means Essendon is on deck given their salary cap space.
He also wants to play permanent midfield, and there's no doubt he'd get the minutes in the red sash.
The only caveat will be remaining in the bottom rungs of the AFL ladder for the years to come as the club rebuilds its list.
But there's enough of a play there for the Bombers to well and truly throw their hat in the ring.
