The Bombers are weighing up a huge play that could reshape the draft.

Plus, rival clubs could swoop on an Essendon midfielder with his future still up in the air.

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DONS ‘OBSESSION’ WITH DRAFT GUN COULD SHAKE UP ORDER

While the trade period might be over, clubs have now turned their focus to swapping draft picks as they formalise their plans for the draft.

According to the Herald Sun, there is increasing speculation that Essendon could strike a deal with West Coast for pick 2.

That would most likely give the Bombers access to Calder Cannons ruck/forward Cooper Duff-Tytler, with the Eagles firming to select Willem Duursma with their first selection.

Rival clubs believe Essendon are “obsessed” with Duff-Tytler, who played for the club’s VFL side during the season and is close friends with Essendon NGA prospects Adam Sweid and Hussien El Achkar.

The Bombers could do a deal with the Suns, which would see the Dons package up pick 21 and 27 for pick 15. The Suns have a bounty of Academy players in their sights this year, including Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson, so securing enough points for those players is high on their priority list.

If that deal did occur, the Bombers could then try and trade pick 15 and pick 5 or 6 to the Eagles, but it is believed the Eagles would be more interested in a future first-round pick.

Elsewhere, Brisbane’s pick 17 and the Giants’ pick 35 could be for sale given their own Academy links to players, while the Blues have held talks with the Crows around a potential trade that would see them bank points for a bid on father-son prospect Cody Walker in 2026.

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RIVALS EYE FRINGE BOMBER

Essendon midfielder Will Setterfield will be delisted by Essendon but has strong rival interest, according to the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph.

Setterfield remains without a deal for 2026 and will be axed by the Bombers so they can keep their options open at the draft.

Essendon could re-sign Setterfield as a rookie or offer him a train-on spot over summer with the view to selecting him as an SSP, but rival clubs might swoop in first.

Setterfield is a big-bodied midfielder who has had his fair share of injury struggles throughout his career, but when fit is a handy on-baller who can shut down some of the game’s best midfielders.

Elsewhere, St Kilda will delist midfielder Ryan Byrnes and then re-list him as a rookie, while Gold Coast’s Nick Holman has hit a games clause and will play on next year.

Holman’s Suns teammate, Ben Jepson, will be delisted but then put back on the list.

Richmond are still weighing up the futures of midfield duo Tyler Sonsie and Thomson Dow, while West Coast’s Coen Livingstone is also without a contract as it stands.