Premiership forward Gary Moorcroft today signed a one-year deal that will see him remain with the Bombers in season 2002. Moorcroft informed the club of his decision just prior to the 2pm deadline when final club lists are required to be with the AFL. The Bombers submitted a final list of 30 plus one veteran to the AFL today after de-listing Judd Lalich, Daniel McAlister and Michael Davis. Michael Long was also taken off the list after announcing his retirement on Monday. The Bombers have one listed veteran and that is Steven Alessio.

Moorcroft had recently been told by the club that it was going to be difficult to retain him because of the salary cap pressures. Moorcroft has since been weighing up the club's latest offer which he agreed to today.

Lalich made his debut for the Bombers in 1998 but has had limited opportunites at senior level. He managed six senior games in 2001 and played a total of 17 matches for the club. He is expected to nominate for the draft.

Daniel McAlister made his debut for the Bombers in 1997 but managed only two senior games in his time at Windy Hill. He is a very talented player but also suffered from a lack of opportunities. Michael Davis was the Bombers sixth selection (overall no. 74) in the 2001 draft. He finished the season in very good fashion in the VFL. Both these players will attract plenty of attention in the draft. Jonathon Robran was de-listed earlier while John Barnes and Dean Wallis also retired.

The Essendon list submitted was:

Steven Alessio (veteran)
Jordan Bannister
Paul Barnard
Justin Blumfield
Mark Bolton
Marc Bullen
Blake Caracella
James Davies
Dustin Fletcher
Robert Forster-Knight
Chris Heffernan
David Hille
James Hird
Aaron Henneman
Sam Hunt
Danny Jacobs
Jason Johnson
Mark Johnson
Matthew Lloyd
Scott Lucas
Cory McGrath
Mark McVeigh
Mark Mercuri
Joe Misiti
Gary Moorcroft
Damien Peverill
Adam Ramanauskas
Ted Richards
Dean Rioli
Dean Solomon
Sean Wellman