Essendon has 47 players on its list after securing six prospects through the pre-season supplemental period and mid-season draft following long-term injuries to a host of stars.
The Bombers' injury crisis is like no other, and has seen the Victorian club equal the record for the number of debuts in one season (13), matching Fitzroy's effort in 1991.
But what Essendon faces at season's end hasn't largely been spoken about is the "hard decisions" they will have to endure regarding their list.
As it stands, clubs are entitled to a minimum of 37 players and a maximum of 44 on their books, with various workarounds regarding the primary contingent, rookies and Category B prospects.
Bombers coach Brad Scott discussed the "rollercoaster" of seeing the quartet of mid-season draftees selected in May, subsequently debuting for the club, but could ultimately be left without a deal for 2026.
"I talk about the AFL rollercoaster all the time," Scott said.
"There's the highs and lows. Unfortunately, the mathematics in our industry tells us there's more lows than highs. There's the elation and joy of players getting drafted in a mid-season draft, and then six months later, you're faced with a discussion about whether they can stay on the list or not.
"We don't isolate the four mid-season draftees; it's our list in totality.
"I can't think of a time in footy where we're facing a situation like we are, where we've got a lot of guys injured, a lot of them long term... 47 players on our list and we're tight for list spots.
"It's a huge challenge and it's a bit of a juggling act... You try be as empathetic as you can to players and their careers, but the reality is we've got to make decisions that are in the best interest of the Essendon Football Club, short, medium and long term.
"There's going to be a lot of hard decisions, but we've got to make them."
The Bombers currently have 16 players who are out of contract. Ruck duo Nick Bryan and Vigo Visentini, along with midfielder Will Setterfield, pose as sure things to stay in the red and black.
Free agent Sam Draper is currently weighing up a move to Brisbane or Adelaide, although it is understood that the reigning premiers are expected to land him.
Todd Goldstein could enter retirement, while Dylan Shiel is unlikely to be included in the club's future despite wanting to play on.
This leaves the mid-season draftees (Lachie Blakiston, Liam McMahon, Oskar Smartt and Archer May), Jaxon Prior, Alwyn Davey, Ben Hobbs, Jayden Laverde, Jye Menzie, and Luamon Lual left wanting new deals.
It should also be noted that Essendon currently holds Picks 4 and 6 in the 2025 National Draft, as well as selections 22 and 23, which could see them welcome a litany of young talent, making list spots harder to come by.
