Delisted Essendon midfielder Will Setterfield is “expected” to secure a second chance at the Bombers.
Setterfield was one of eight Dons players not offered a new deal at Tullamarine for 2026, as the Victorian club worked through an extensive list change following a disappointing campaign.
The former GWS and Carlton midfielder was joined by in departing Essendon this off-season, with Alwyn Davey Jnr (delisted), Sam Draper (Brisbane Lions), Todd Goldstein (delisted), Ben Hobbs (delisted), Jayden Laverde (delisted), Luamon Lual (delisted), Jye Menzie (delisted), Dylan Shiel (delisted) and Oskar Smartt (delisted) also heading out the door.
The Bombers moved for Gold Coast wingman Brayden Fiorini in the trade period before adding Sullivan Robey, Dyson Sharp, Jacob Farrow, Hussien El Achkar and Max Kondogiannis through the draft. The club confirmed the signing of Cillian Bourke from Ireland as a category B rookie on Wednesday.
In their decision to delist Setterfield in October, Essendon flagged that the 27-year-old would be considered via the draft or the Supplemental Selection Period.
The Bombers ‘ busy draft haul left them with no flexibility to accommodate the former top-five pick, whose chances of another chance at AFL level looked over.
However, the recent knee injury to star Nic Martin that has put a line through his 2026 campaign has positioned the Bombers with the ability to add to their squad by moving the gun utility to their inactive list.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 01: Jye Menzie of the Bombers (L) celebrates with Will Setterfield of the Bombers (C) after combining for a goal during the round three AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 01, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
That manoeuvre is set to see Setterfield return to the mix in the red and black, with AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reporting that the big-bodied ball winner is in talks with the club over a deal for next year.
Setterfield was a key piece of Essendon’s midfield group in 2025, playing 13 games before succumbing to a year-ending foot injury. Despite his limited exposure, Setterfield led the Dons for tackles in 2025, while also featuring in the top five for clearances.
The re-listing of Setterfield would once again finalise Essendon’s list for next year, with clubs needing to confirm any SSP signings before the February 20 deadline.