Former Geelong midfielder Quinton Narkle has reportedly made a call on his playing future, with the ex-Cat deciding to sign with Essendon's VFL side for 2023.
Narkle, who was delisted by Geelong at the cessation of last season, was trialled at Richmond over the summer as a potential Supplemental Selection Period signing for the Tigers.
Richmond eventually decided to hand their sole list spot to country league forward Kaelan Bradtke, forcing Narkle back into the open market.
The 25-year-old is said to have remained on Richmond's radar as a potential VFL signing, while his former WAFL club Perth and Essendon also expressed interest of their own.
According to The West Australian's Jordan McArdle, Narkle has decided to remain in Victoria over a move back to his home state, however will link up with the Bombers' VFL squad.
The move will see Essendon's reserves add further AFL experience for the season ahead, with senior coach Leigh Tudor seeing former Bulldogs Brad Lynch and ex-Magpie and Hawk Tom Phillips also join his list.
The Bombers confirmed the double signing this week, along with SSP trainee Jack Cleaver and Murray Bushrangers ruck-forward Toby Murray.
Cleaver, Lynch and Phillips were all seen to be in contention for the last list spot under Brad Scott for the 2023 season, however the club decided to keep the vacancy open for the Mid-Season Draft.
The list decision will see Narkle join the trio of triallists in looking to impress in the red sash at the state league level ahead of the AFL's next talent intake, expected for June.
Narkle played 10 games for Geelong's VFL side in 2022 before seeing his time at Kardinia Park come to an end.
The Western Australian managed 41 games across five seasons for Geelong at AFL level, making his debut in 2018.
