Essendon is prepared to give up its first-round pick in this year's NAB AFL Draft as it tries to trade for three players – Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad.

The Western Bulldogs asked for that selection when they opened talks with the Bombers at Etihad Stadium on Monday for the opening of the NAB AFL Trade Period. 

"The reality is pick No.11 will probably have to be involved somewhere along the line, so we accept that's the case," Essendon football manager Rob Kerr told reporters.

More will need to be done for a deal to be made, but Essendon believed it can be achieved. 

"There's a little bit of work to do there but we're keen to try and get a deal done over the course of the next 10 days, so we'll keep at it," Kerr said. 

Essendon had "fruitful" discussions with Greater Western Sydney in its pursuit of Smith and "good discussions" with Gold Coast as it aims to land Saad, with the Suns having made an offer. 

Meanwhile, South Australian talent Aaron Francis is expected to remain a Bomber.

Francis was drafted at No. 6 in 2015 but has lined up in just five senior games. 

"At the moment, the Adelaide clubs are focusing on other things, so maybe something comes up later but at the moment, it looks like Aaron will be staying with us, which we would be very really pleased about," Kerr said. 

"But, it's early days."