Essendon is set to play a key role in the last two days of the AFL Trade Period with Thursday’s 2pm deadline closing in.

The club will continue to work on a deal to get a ‘fair deal’ in return for ruckman Patrick Ryder who has indicated his desire to join Port Adelaide.

It was reported in the Herald Sun on Tuesday that Port Adelaide had improved its offer for Ryder to include pick No. 37 as well as pick No. 17.

Essendon has previously stated it would be happy to trade Ryder to the power if a fair deal could be reached for both parties.

The completion of a deal involving Ryder is set to have an influence upon whether the Bombers can get a deal done to secure the services of 2008 Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney.

Essendon and North Melbourne have both shown interest in securing Cooney with the Bulldogs willing to work on a deal for the elite midfielder.

Channel Seven news reported Cooney had indicated his preferred home was the Bombers for the 2015 season.

AFL.com.au reported on Tuesday that if Essendon agrees to do a deal with Port Adelaide for pick No. 17 and No. 37 then pick No. 37 could be on traded to the Dogs in a deal for Cooney.

Greater Western Sydney ruckman Jonathan Giles has chosen the Bombers as his preferred club for the 2015 season with a deal to be struck between the two clubs.

List manager Adrian Dodoro confirmed on Tuesday the club would look to do a deal to secure the 201cm big man.

The Giants have also revealed they are willing to broker a deal that would see Giles land at Essendon.

Giles attracted strong interest from Adelaide but decided a move into the red and black would provide better opportunities for him at senior level.

The AFL website has also reported on Tuesday evening that Essendon has shown some interest in Sydney half back Shane Biggs.

A 23-year-old is likely to find a new home for next season due to cap space on the Swans list with Essendon and the Western Bulldogs interested in the running defender.

Elliot Kavanagh is also likely to serve the last year of his contract at Essendon after previously indicating his desire for further opportunities.