All of the Bombers' rookies are uncontracted for next season, so the club has some decisions to make regarding the make-up of that area of its list. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is a success story for the club in what has been a dismal year but there are still plenty of unknowns about the rest of the rookie list.
Jake Long
Has improved in his two seasons at the club but is yet to break through for a senior appearance. The 20-year-old son of former champion Michael needs to develop physically but has some natural raw ability and a turn of pace.RE-ROOKIE
Gach Nyuon
Nyuon was picked as a project player at last year's rookie draft, with the club knowing he would take more than a year to be ready at AFL level. RE-ROOKIE
Will Hams
The hard-at-it midfielder has done himself no harm in recent weeks in terms of winning an upgrade to the senior list. He was solid on the weekend for the Bombers with 12 disposals and a goal, and has overcome a couple of injury-interrupted years. ELEVATE
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
McDonald-Tipungwuti has been a revelation in his first year on Essendon's rookie list, and will surely be rewarded with a new contract and an elevation to the senior list next year. His pace, hardness and dash has added a new element to Essendon's line-up. ELEVATE
Conor McKenna
The speedy Irishman continues to show exciting signs in his experience at the top level. He collected 15 disposals off half-back against the Tigers on the weekend and has plenty of promise as he continues to develop. RE-ROOKIE
Tom Wallis
The son of 2000 premiership player Dean Wallis was selected last year after an injury-interrupted draft year. He is a left-footed half-back who can be shifted into different areas of the ground. RE-ROOKIE - Callum Twomey