Essendon’s first list lodgement will be sent through to the AFL next Monday and both Paul Thomas and Justin Murphy will be included, contrary to reports in today’s Herald-Sun. Essendon is yet to finalise its primary list and will continue to consider its options prior to the second list lodgement due on Friday, November 18.

Reports today suggested the pair had been axed by the club but Essendon's general manager of football operations Dom Cato said the report was incorrect. ""We haven't made a decision to de-list any other players at this stage,"" Cato said. ""We are still considering which way we want to go with respect the draft.""