Essendon Football Club is pleased to advise it intends to offer both James Kelly and Matt Dea a position on the Essendon list at the commencement of the delisted free agency trade period on 1 November 2016.

General Manager – Football, Rob Kerr, said the Club was confident Kelly and Dea would make a positive impact on the team in 2017.

“We have been in constant dialogue with James, Matt and each of their management groups since the end of the season regarding the opportunity for them to return,” Kerr said.

“They both had outstanding seasons in 2016 and were important leaders for the team both on and off the field.

“We know James and Matt are keen to play on in the red and black and we are looking forward to what they can continue to offer with their experience next season.”

Triple-premiership player and All Australian, James Kelly, played 20 games with the Bombers in 2016, finished equal second in the Club’s best and fairest and his career thus far extends to 293 games. 

2015 Richmond VFL best and fairest winner, Matt Dea, played 21 games with the Bombers in 2016, finished eighth in the Club’s best and fairest and reached his 50 game milestone this season.