Essendon defender Jayden Laverde has reportedly attracted interest from other clubs, despite being under contract with the Bombers for the next 12 months.
Jayden Laverde has played 131 games over 10 seasons with Essendon since being drafted from the Western Jets with Pick 20 a decade ago. The 28-year-old appeared in 21 games under coach Brad Scott this season, marking his fourth consecutive year with 19 or more appearances after playing 10 or fewer in his first six seasons.
Having been utilized in various positions throughout his career in the red and black, Laverde has settled into a permanent defensive role since 2021, forming a key part of Essendon’s defense alongside best and fairest winner Jordan Ridley.
Laverde and Ridley comprise half of Brad Scott’s experienced defensive lineup, with 2023 recruit Ben McKay and former top 10 draft pick Zach Reid also making AFL appearances this year. Meanwhile, former Demon Sam Weideman, who debuted in Round 24, faces an uncertain future, and Kaine Baldwin was recently delisted.
According to News Corp, despite being contracted through 2025, Laverde is attracting interest from several clubs this year. These clubs view the 193cm defender as a potential target, even though Essendon considers him a key player.
Other experienced defenders, like Melbourne veteran Adam Tomlinson and GWS’s Nick Haynes—who has been heavily linked to Carlton—could also draw interest from clubs. Additionally, younger defensive prospects such as Adelaide’s James Borlase, Hawthorn’s Denver Grainger-Barras, and the Bulldogs’ Buku Khamis might be considered by teams looking to strengthen their backline.
After an active trade and free agency period last year, Essendon seems less busy this time around and is likely to focus on the draft. They currently hold Pick 8 and have access to Isaac Kako, a likely first-round choice through the Next Generation Academy.
Following the recent delistings of Baldwin, Nick Hind, and Tex Wanganeen, along with the retirement of former captain Dyson Heppell, the Bombers are expected to make several contract decisions in the coming weeks. Players like Sam Weideman, Jake Stringer, Matt Guelfi, Todd Goldstein, Will Setterfield, and Alwyn Davey are currently unsigned for next season.