Essendon met Gold Coast key forward Jed Walter on the same day the Bombers sacked coach Brad Scott last month.
Essendon president Andrew Welsh was in the meeting with Walter alongside Essendon list boss Matt Rosa.
Walter met the Bombers as he weighs up his future and a chance to partner with emerging superstar Nate Caddy.
But the Suns remain confident Walter will stay. A decision could hinge on whether Walter is in the senior team at season’s end amid competition from Ethan Read and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
Some clubs have viewed Walter as a better fit in defence.
The Bombers have millions of dollars to spare in the salary cap to bring in some top-line talent at season’s end as the club looks to bolster its list.
Suns’ defender Charlie Ballard is also on the Bombers’ radar.
But Essendon defender Jordan Ridley seems certain to part ways with the club in a bid to help conquer his soft-tissue issues.
Ridley met Gold Coast officials in Melbourne as he considers a move north.
But the Suns would not part with an early draft pick for Ridley who has played only 21 games in the past three years due to repeated calf and hamstring problems.
Ridley has family in Queensland and met the Brisbane Lions last year before Essendon shut down any prospect of a trade.
Suns key forward Ben King has delayed a decision on his future amid interest from Hawthorn.
Hawthorn is still also chasing Gold Coast playmaker Bailey Humphrey and Essendon superstar Zach Merrett.