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

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

Arriving at the club through the 2022 Mid-Season Draft, D’Ambrosio has played 16 senior games, predominantly across the half-back line.

At VFL level, D’Ambrosio showed his class, averaging 20 disposals and 13.5 kicks across his eight games, with knee surgery ending his season prematurely.

General Manager of List and Recruiting Adrian Dodoro wished D’Ambrosio all the best for the future.

“While we would have liked to have retained Massimo, we respect his decision to look for opportunities elsewhere,” Dodoro said.

“We wish Massimo all the best for his next chapter and thank him for his contribution to the club over the past 18 months.”