Every signing, trade and player movement in this year's Continental Tyres AFL Trade and Free Agency Period.

Duursma becomes a Don

Xavier Duursma will wear the red and black in 2024 after the Bombers and Port Adelaide agreed to a trade for the midfielder.

The 23-year-old arrives at the NEC Hangar in exchange for defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, pick No.73 and two future fourth rounders who requested a trade to Port Adelaide earlier in the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.

Hailing from Gippsland, Duursma was drafted by Port Adelaide with pick No.18 in the 2018 National Draft, going onto play 73 games.

Zerk-Thatcher departs to Port Adelaide

Essendon would like to thank Brandon Zerk-Thatcher for his contribution to the club following a trade that will see the defender play for Port Adelaide in 2024.

Zerk-Thatcher requested a trade earlier in the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, with the Bombers and Power coming to an agreement on the final day of the period.

D'Ambrosio joins Hawthorn

Essendon has farewelled Massimo D’Ambrosio with the defender heading to Hawthorn.

The two clubs agreed on a deal in final moments of the 2023 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, with Essendon received pick No.61 and a future fourth round in return for the defender.

Dons improve 2023 draft hand

Essendon has improved its 2023 NAB AFL draft hand with a second-round pick arriving at the club.

The Bombers will receive pick No.35 and a future fourth round selection, which was connected to the Western Bulldogs, while the club will part ways with selection No.52 (Western Bulldogs) and a future third round pick (Carlton).  

This deal is a part of a four-way trade between Essendon, St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs and Carlton.

Gresham lands at Bomberland

Essendon is thrilled to welcome small forward Jade Gresham who officially joined the Bombers today as a restricted free agent.

The 26-year-old confirmed his desire to play for Essendon earlier this week with the AFL approving the deal today. Gresham will join the Bombers on a three-year deal. 

Gresham will don the red and black after eight seasons with St Kilda where he played 136 games and kicked 136 goals. He was drafted at pick No.18 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.

Bombers land McKay

Essendon has secured the services of Ben McKay from North Melbourne, with the key defender arriving at the NEC Hangar as a restricted free agent. 

The 25-year-old has committed to a six-year deal at the Bombers, being the club’s second move in the 2023 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.

Bombers strike gold with ruck signing 

Experienced ruck Todd Goldstein will wear the red and black in 2024, with the former Kangaroo arriving at the club as an unrestricted free agent.

The 35-year-old has committed to the club on a one-year deal, adding 315 games of experience to the Bombers’ list.

Stewart to explore options

James Stewart will seek new opportunities elsewhere after Essendon informed the defender that he will not be playing at the club in 2024.

Essendon thanks Stewart for his contribution to the club over seven years since joining from the GWS GIANTS.

Essendon 2023 national draft selections

9, 31, 35, 61, 88

Retirements and delistings

• Alastair Lord (del)
• Cian McBride (del)
• Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (ret)
• Rhett Montgomerie (del)
• Anthony Munkara (del)
• Andrew Phillips (ret)
• James Stewart (del)