Essendon List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro says the Club is in a ‘sound’ salary cap position should a proven player become available in the next 12 months.

The Bombers have met with Gold Coast’s Jaeger O’Meara and also spoke with Port Adelaide’s Hamish Hartlett.

O’Meara has stated his desire to go to Hawthorn.

Dodoro told Trade Radio he expects that deal to go through.

“History says that if a player nominates a club he normally gets there,” he said.

“We did pitch to Jaeger and made that fairly public. 

“Our understanding is that we were considered very closely.

“I assume, like most people, it’ll get done (the deal to Hawthorn).

“He’s a quality player and I’m sure he’s going to have a great career.

“If it falls over then we’re sitting there in the pre-season draft, but to be honest we’re not even looking at that option.”

The Bombers will have ten players returning next season headlined by All-Australians Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell, Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker.

James Kelly and Matt Dea are also expected to return with the Club committing to offering them new deals.

Despite the retention of talent, Dodoro said there is room to move in the salary cap.

“We know where our list is at, our gaps on our list and what we need to do to improve our list going forward,” he said. 

“Obviously we’d like to bring in a quality midfielder.  That’s probably been one of our aims over the last couple of years.    

“We’ve budgeted to do that, whether it’s this year, but more than likely it might be next year. 

“We’re in a sound position with our TPP (Total Player Payments). 

“We’ve been very prudent in the way we’ve done our contracts and everyone has bought into the model. 

“We’re not saying we’re flush with cash but we’ve actually got the opportunity to bring in a good player, if that player is something we think fits our model.”