Essendon has strengthened its two-year draft hand in a pick swap with Melbourne on Monday morning.

The Bombers have exchanged this year’s 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.

Boosting next year’s draft hand, Essendon now has the prospect of bringing in three first-round talents over a two-year period and no longer has to give up a first-round pick in the chance of a likely opposition bid for JHA prospect Isaac Kako, thanks to their assortment of later selections.

“Our strategy has revolved around strengthening our draft hand and we’re really confident this trade will allow us to bring in at least three first-round talents into the club over the next 14 months,” AFL Talent and Operations Manager Matt Rosa said.

“This pick swap allows us to acquire talent through our Academy prospects this year and allows us to do that without compromising a first-round selection.

“This trade provides us with further flexibility over the coming days and in the lead-up to the National Draft. It also gives us the flexibility next year to hit the draft, trade or a combination of both.”

The AFL’s Continental Tyres Trade Period will conclude on Wednesday night, with the first round of the AFL Telstra National Draft underway on November 20.

Essendon trade with Melbourne 

• Essendon give: Pick No. 9, future third-round pick
• Essendon receive: Picks No. 28, 40, 46, 54, 65, Melbourne's future first-round pick

Essendon 2024 Telstra National Draft hand

Picks No. 28, 31, 40, 46, 54, 65