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.
4Hayden McLean
The Swans forward is contracted until the end of 2027, but that shouldn't deter rivals, especially Essendon, from pursuing his signature.
McLean has been the victim of a forward-line squeeze following the acquisition of Charlie Curnow, and has been shunned to the VFL for all but four senior games.
Curnow, along with Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald are first choices for Dean Cox. Amartey is tipped to re-sign long term in his free agency year, while McDonald is locked away until 2028.
As for the Bombers, Nate Caddy is in need of assistance, and the ruck roles also need bolstering, which McLean can provide.
Despite being contracted, his trade value won't cost Essendon lots, allowing the club to lure him to Victoria while continue hunting top draft prospects.
