Essendon ruck Sam Draper will no longer be a Bomber from 2026 onward, as the 26-year-old, 205cm talent has officially told the club of his decision to depart.
According to 9 News' Tom Morris, Draper has elected to take his talents to the Brisbane Lions via unrestricted free agency, turning down offers from both Essendon and the lure of his hometown team Adelaide Crows in order to sign with the reigning premiers for 2026 and beyond.
However, in an intriguing twist, the Bombers have claimed Draper "has not advised Essendon of his selected AFL club" in their statement on the matter on Tuesday.
Draper expressed that the decision was one he did not make lightly, but conceded the toll of his regular injuries over the past three seasons, which has seen him feature in just 35 games since 2023, has taken a toll "both mentally and physically".
"I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been part of my journey at Essendon Football Club. Pulling on the red and black has been such a huge honour and I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to represent such a proud club," Draper said.
"To my teammates, you are like brothers to me and the reason why I love coming to work every day. To the supporters, you have shown so much love to me, and I have really felt that. Seeing people wearing the number 2 and kids growing mullets to be like me is something I will never forget.
"Personally, the last few years haven't been easy with all the injuries I've sustained. This has taken a toll on me both mentally and physically, and I've had to make a very hard decision for what's best for me moving forward and I feel it's the right time for a fresh start."
If Morris' report proves to be true, Draper will become the third player to nominate the Lions as their preferred new home this year, with teammate Jordan Ridley and Eagles captain Oscar Allen also requesting trades to the club.
However, a notable difference with Draper is his status as an unrestricted free agent, meaning the Bombers cannot stand in his way, while Brisbane may be forced to engage in trade talks to ensure Ridley and Allen have their wish granted.
Essendon's General Manager Daniel McPherson expressed Essendon's disappointment in Draper's decision, with the star ruck turning down a "strong long-term deal" to leave the Bombers, but thanked Draper for his commitment over his nine-year, 78-game tenure at Windy Hill.
“Sam has been an important part of our club in recent years, and we were looking for that to continue into the future, which was reflected in the strong long-term deal we presented to him," McPherson said.
"Following open, honest and regular dialogue with Sam throughout the course of the year, we are disappointed that he will not be a part of our future, however, we respect the decision he has made.
“Sam's departure is obviously significant, but we remain confident in our multiple ruck options, and the development we've seen out of our younger rucks in particular will continue to progress with greater opportunities going forward.
“We again thank Sam for all he's given to our club over the last nine years. This outcome provides opportunities for the club as we approach the upcoming trade, free agency, and draft period, and we look forward to maximising our strong position."
The Adelaide Crows appeared to have dropped out of the Sam Draper sweepstakes with the re-signing of long-time ruck servant Reilly O'Brien, but a phone call from senior coach Matthew Nicks put them back in the box seat to land the star.
However, Brisbane's strong history of injury management and recovery and lengthy premiership window seems to have won over Draper.
The lure of Draper for the Lions would be the versatility he possesses. Before he suffered his season-ending Achilles injury, Draper demonstrated a much greater aerial threat to current rucks Darcy Fort and Oscar McInerney, averaging 3.6 marks per game, half of which were contested. He also proved to be one of the better goal sneaks, kicking seven goals in five games this season.
