Essendon coach Brad Scott understands free agent ruckman Sam Draper will look to "assess his options" for the future as the in-demand Bomber weighs up his future in the red and black.
Draper has garnered reported interest from Adelaide and Brisbane this year despite being sidelined for the majority of the next 12 months with an Achilles injury.
The setback, which occurred in April, was expected to soften the external intrigue in Draper given his long recovery ahead, however, the reigning premiers are said to have joined the Crows in pursuing the South Australian.
Essendon remain a likely home for Draper for 2026 and beyond, however, with Scott still hopeful the 205cm talent will remain at Tullamarine.
For Scott, the situation for Draper hasn't shifted, with the Bombers coach understanding the situation at hand.
"There's no chance from my perspective," Scott said on Thursday.
"I've been really clear with my view on it that Drapes has got to assess all his options. He's a highly valued member of our team.
"We set the vision and show the players the direction the club is going in. It's incumbent on players who are free agents to assess their options.
"If Drapes makes the choice to stay with us, we know he's made it with all of the information available, and he's fully committed to our direction.
"We'll give him as much time as he needs to make that call."
All five listed ruckmen at Essendon are off-contract this year, giving the club's list management team much to consider.
Second-string tall Nick Bryan is also out for the season with an ACL injury sustained in Gather Round, with veteran Todd Goldstein stepping into the starting role in his and Draper's absence.
Goldstein could secure another one-year deal to make it three years with the Bombers, who have young project player Vigo Visentini in the wings.
Visentini's VFL form has him in consideration for a VFL debut this year, while Mid-Season Draft signing Lachie Blakiston was recruited as a ready-made ruckman who could aid the club's injury woes.
