Prominent player agent Paul Connors says GWS star Dylan Shiel has chosen the Bombers based on their young list and their potential to challenge for a premiership in the near future.
Shiel has spent seven years at the Giants and was one year away from free agency, although he's decided to leave Greater Western Sydney and has selected Essendon as his club of choice.
Connors said his client chose Essendon, given they're the closest of the other suitors (Carlton, St Kilda and Hawthorn) to a flag.
Connors: I think Dylan just feels the Bombers have a great, mature young list. The competition is so even that with him, and maybe a couple others, that they can challenge for the finals and be contenders#NABTradeRadio
— NAB AFL Trade Radio (@traderadio) October 9, 2018
Former Giant and Essendon forward Devon Smith sold the club to Shiel, with Connors suggesting he played a big part in helping the Bombers land Shiel.
Connors: He's close with Devon Smith. Devon certainly spoke highly of the program there#NABTradeRadio
— NAB AFL Trade Radio (@traderadio) October 9, 2018
Connors: He was extremely flattered and humbled by the interest from other clubs. To come back and speak to clubs and hear what they said about him was very humbling for Dylan#NABTradeRadio
— NAB AFL Trade Radio (@traderadio) October 9, 2018
Connors also touched on Carlton's bid for Shiel, and said the club couldn't have been more professional in their approach of the Giant.
Connors on Carlton: All I would say is that Carlton was extremely professional. They're on the rise, you'll see some good things there this year#NABTradeRadio
— NAB AFL Trade Radio (@traderadio) October 9, 2018
Connors also failed to confirm Damian Barrett's statement, although certainly didn't deny Barrett's claim to him suggesting the Bombers' offer to Shiel was the lowest of the four clubs in the running.
