Essendon has completed its 2024 Continental Tyres Trade Period and secured a plentiful draft hand for this year and beyond.

The Bombers, who entered this year’s trade period with only two picks in the 2024 Telstra National Draft draft, now hold seven (28, 31, 40, 46, 53, 54, 65) and two future first round picks in the 2025 national draft.

Essendon actioned only two trades, with the first on Monday seeing the Dons give pick No.9 and a future third-round selection, receiving picks No.28, 40, 46, 54, 65 and a future first-round selection from Melbourne in return.

The only player movement throughout the whole period for the Bombers was the second trade on Wednesday's deadline day in forward Jake Stringer, who was traded to the GIANTS for pick 53 after 123 games for the club.

Despite being contracted to the Dons for next season, AFL Talent & Operations Manager Matt Rosa said the 30-year-old leaves with the club’s blessings after securing a longer contract at GWS.

“In the end, we struck a deal with GWS for Jake Stringer to go to the GIANTS and continue his career there,” Rosa said.

“Jake was after a longer tenure in terms of contract security, but we were firm the whole way through that it would be a one-year deal, but for Jake and his family, it was important he got that security.

“Jake’s played some fantastic footy for the football club, so we wish him all the best.”

Essendon’s focus was ensuring a raft of picks came through as it eyes multiple academy selections in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft.

Rosa is rapt the Bombers can now solely focus on the upcoming draft, while not ruling out further improving the club’s draft selections not only for this year, but the following season as well.

“We came into this trade period with only two picks in this draft, so it was really important for us to get a hold of some more picks to give us the opportunity to have access to our Academy products,” he said.

“We were able to achieve that and then able to ensure we’ve got two first round picks over the next two years at the draft.

“We feel like we’ve really improved our draft hand and the work continues now to finalise our draft order and there’s plenty of interviews still to be had with draftees and hopefully we can even improve our draft hand further.”

See all the action from this year's trade period below.

Essendon trade ins

Picks 28, 40, 46, 53, 54, 65, 2025 future first round (tied to Melbourne)

Essendon trade outs

Pick No.9, future third round (Melbourne), Jake Stringer (GWS)

Essendon 2024 national draft picks

28, 31, 40, 46, 53, 54, 65

As of October 16, 2024

Retirements and delistings

• Kaine Baldwin (del)
• Nicholas Hind (del)
• Dyson Heppell (ret)
• Jake Kelly (ret)
• Tex Wanganeen (del)