The 2019 Telstra AFL Trade Period wrapped up on Wednesday night, with Essendon playing a big part on a frantic final day.

Below is a wrap of the Bombers' activity.

In: Tom Cutler, Andrew Phillips, picks 33, 61 and 64

Out: Picks 37, 52, 70 and a future third-round selection

2019 draft picks: 31, 33, 61, 64, 65, 88

OVERVIEW

On the opening day of the trade period, Essendon general manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro made the club's intentions clear: retain its playing list while bolstering its ruck and midfield stocks.

On that basis, the Bombers met their objectives.

Despite "very respectful" negotiations with Sydney following Joe Daniher's request for a trade to the Swans, Dodoro held his nerve in demanding a player be included in a potential trade for the star forward, who he said couldn't be replaced with draft picks alone.

That wasn't forthcoming from the Swans, ultimately seeing Daniher - a contracted player for 2020 - remain in the red and black.

Further speculation surrounded fellow forward Orazio Fantasia, suggesting the South Australian would seek a move to his home state.

But Fantasia - also contracted for 2020 - reinforced his recommitment to the Bombers in the first week of the trade period.

As for the newcomers, ruckman Andrew Phillips (Carlton) was Essendon's first arrival in an exchange of late draft picks, while utility Tom Cutler (Brisbane) found his way to Bomberland in the final 20 minutes.

The Bombers were left with picks 31, 33, 61, 64, 65 and 68 following the deadline for the exchange of players, but that draft hand isn't locked in as all clubs have until November 22 to trade selections.

Dodoro's summary: “Considering what we set out to do at the beginning of the trade period, we’re pretty happy tonight."

RECRUIT #1 - ANDREW PHILLIPS

In: Andrew Phillips, picks 61 and 72

Out: Picks 57 and 70

The Bombers strengthened their ruck division at little cost, welcoming Phillips from Carlton in their first trade with the Blues since 2003.

Arriving at Greater Western Sydney via the 2010 rookie draft as a foundation player, Phillips played 14 games for the Giants before seeking a trade to the Blues at the end of 2015.

He made an instant impact at Carlton, playing 16 senior games in 2016 before earning a two-year contract extension in 2017, finishing on 27 matches across four seasons.

Limited for opportunities behind first-choice ruckman Matthew Kreuzer, Phillips played five games for the Blues in 2019, ranked by Champion Data as 'elite' for average contested marks and hitouts to advantage, and 'above average' for tackles.

What Dodoro said: "Andrew's a beautiful ruck technician. He's had a few injuries in the past. When he did play senior football for Carlton this year, he actually got coaches votes in one of the games later in the year and showed he’s a very, very adequate AFL ruckman, so we’re really happy to get him on board.”

RECRUIT #2 - TOM CUTLER

The big-bodied Cutler, 24, was granted his wish to join Essendon, but had to wait until the final moments.

Receiving limited opportunities in the Lions’ senior line-up in 2019, the talented utility played three senior games this year – averaging 21.7 disposals, 8.3 contested possessions, five marks, 3.7 inside 50s and three rebound 50s – to take his career total to 66 from six seasons with the Lions.

Taken at pick No.33 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, the Victorian stands at 192cm and possesses a thumping right boot, aerobic prowess and flexibility across the ground.

What Dodoro said: "We're really excited to get Tom. We think he's going to be a great acquisition. He's a big-bodied mid, and he's got great speed and endurance. He's a long kick and he's at exactly the right age demographic we're looking for."

This news is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's official recruitment and list management partner.