Essendon’s recruiting team will kick off talks with 17 other clubs at Etihad Stadium on Monday as the AFL exchange period kicks off for 2014.

The trade period will kick run for the next fortnight until the 2pm deadline on Thursday October 16.

The ten-day trade window will see officials from all clubs across the competition hold discussions in an attempt to strengthen their list.

Five potential Father/Son players and seven academy players have been nominated by clubs to be selected in the upcoming national draft.

All clubs in reverse ladder order will have the chance to bid on these players if they wish to indicate a desire to select them.

The most important discussions for the club will be surrounding Patrick Ryder who has indicated his desire to join Port Adelaide.

There have also been reports in the last week linking Carlton small forward Jeff Garlett to the Bombers.

Sydney forward Tim Membry has indicated his desire to find a new home with Essendon also reported to be among the suitors.

Ben Howlett is yet to sign a new deal with reports on Monday indicating he may look to find a new home.

Despite similar reports Courtenay Dempsey’s manager confirmed he has no interest in finding a new home with one year to run on his current deal.

Essendonfc.com.au will have a full update throughout the afternoon on the latest developments and a full recap with list manager Adrian Dodoro following day one discussions.