Essendon has delisted youngster Jason Ashby.
The 22-year-old played 12 games with the club after being recruited with pick No.34 in the 2012 National Draft.
“Jason is a terrific young man, and an extremely popular member of the playing group,” general manager of football Rob Kerr said.
“Competition for spots as a defender has been tough, but Jason’s resilience and hard work over the journey saw him rewarded with several opportunities to perform at senior level.
“Jason also fought his way back from injury this season to play against quality opposition in GWS and West Coast. To pull on the Essendon Guernsey is a great honour and Jason should be proud of how he developed as a player and a person during his time at the Club.
“Jason will always be welcome at Essendon, and on behalf of everyone at the Club we wish him all the very best for his future, both on and off the field.”
Ashby joins James Gwilt in being delisted by the club, while Matthew Stokes and Adam Cooney have announced their retirements.
SEE ALL OF THE 2016 RETIREMENTS AND DELISTINGS
Essendon 2026 Player Movements
| 2026 Gains |
| Cillian Bourke (2027), Hussien El Achkar (2027), Jacob Farrow (2028), Brayden Fiorini (Gold Coast Suns, 2029), Max Kondogiannis (2027), Sullivan Robey (2028), Dyson Sharp (2028) |
| 2026 Losses |
| Alwyn Davey Jnr (delisted), Sam Draper (Brisbane Lions), Todd Goldstein (retired), Ben Hobbs (delisted), Jayden Laverde (GWS Giants), Luamon Lual (delisted), Jye Menzie (delisted), Dylan Shiel (delisted), Oskar Smartt (delisted) |
| Re-Signed |
| Angus Clarke (2028) |
| Off Contract 2026 |
| Lachie Blakiston, Nikolas Cox, Archer Day-Wicks, Tom Edwards, Saad El-Hawli, Kayle Gerreyn, Jade Gresham (free agent), Matt Guelfi (free agent), Lewis Hayes, Zak Johnson, Archer May, Liam McMahon (free agent), Jayden Nguyen, Archie Perkins, Jaxon Prior (free agent), Will Setterfield, Elijah Tsatas, Rhys Unwin |






