Essendon Football Club has informed Shaun McKernan, Mitch Hibberd, Kobe Mutch, Josh Begley and Noah Gown that they will not be offered new contracts for the 2021 season.
McKernan confirmed the news to the playing group on Saturday following Essendon's game against Melbourne at Metricon Stadium. The 30-year-old played 53 games for the Bombers during his six seasons after crossing to the red and black from Adelaide at the end of 2014.
Former Kangaroo Hibberd had a second chance at AFL level when he arrived at the Bombers via the 2019 rookie draft from Williamstown, featuring in five senior games this season.
2020 CRICHTON MEDAL: STREAM HERE FROM 8PM AEST TONIGHT
Begley played 17 games across four seasons including his two-goal debut against Gold Coast in round 22, 2017.
Mutch played five games after making his debut in round 6, 2018 against Melbourne, while Gown was a promising key forward who impressed at VFL level in his first season at the NEC Hangar but suffered a significant foot injury and never featured at senior level.
General manager of football Dan Richardson thanked all five players for their services to the club.
“This time of year is always difficult but decisions need to be made in the best interests of the football club moving forward, and as a result we were unable to offer Shaun, Mitch, Kobe, Josh and Noah contracts for the 2021 season,” Richardson said.
“We thank all five players for their contributions to the Essendon Football Club during their time with us and wish them the very best for their future endeavours.”
This news is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's official recruitment and list management partner.
