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12 Essendon-listed players will miss the 2016 AFL season after the Court for Administration of Sport today confirmed that they had found 34 past and present Bombers guilty of taking prohibited substances during the 2012 season.
That leaves Essendon with only 32 players available from their playing list, which is enough to field an AFL side, but very short of depth should they be hit by injuries.
The AFL confirmed at a press conference this afternoon that Essendon will have the option to sign as many as ten top-up players to support what remains of their list in the 2016 AFL season.
This was first put into practice in the 2015 NAB Challenge when a number of top-up players appeared for Essendon. Two of them – delisted Geelong tall Mitch Brown and VFL player Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti – were afterward recruited to the club via the 2015 draft.
So who will they consider? Here’s a look at some of the players who might now get a first or second chance at AFL level in 2016.
More:
» Essendon players found guilty, will miss 2016 season
» Essendon doping saga: Full list of players to miss 2016 AFL season
» Read CAS’s statement regarding the Essendon finding
» Essendon players guilty: Social media reaction
» Hey WADA, you got the wrong man
James Kelly and Mathew Stokes – Both players retired at the end of the 2015 season after being told there was no longer room for them at Geelong, but it’s believed both had some interest at playing on at another club. Could they reverse their retirement decisions and join the Bombers?
Brian Lake
It’s a well-known fact the former Bulldog and Hawk believed he had another season in him but was told no by Hawthorn. Could he make an unlikely return to the AFL as a top-up Bomber?
James Polkinghorne
Former Brisbane Lions player Polkinghorne was a top-up player for Essendon in the 2015 NAB Challenge, and currently plays for the Essendon VFL team. He won the Essendon VFL best and fairest last year and would seem a likely choice for Essendon to call up to senior level.
Brodie Martin
Despite a strong finish to the 2014 season Martin was regularly overlooked for selection at Adelaide and only played three games for the year. He could get a second chance as a top-up option for the Bombers.
Sam Grimley and Jordan Lisle
Former Hawthorn rookie Grimley and former Hawk and Lion Lisle tied as the top goalkickers in the VFL last season (along with Liam McBean of Richmond). Grimley is also capable of contributing in the ruck.
Daniel Coghlan
Coghlan has never previously played at AFL level but was a staple of Essendon’s VFL team last year. He played every game for the side and averaged 20 disposals, finishing seconds in the team’s best and fairest.
Nick O’Brien
Rookie Nick O’Brien was delisted from Essendon at the end of last year despite playing nine senior games towards the end of the season. Against Port Adelaide he had a career-best 32 disposals. He could be up for an instant recall back to AFL level.
Clinton Jones
The former St Kilda midfielder was a top-up player for the Dons in the 2015 NAB Challenge where he acquitted himself well. But, at 32 years of age and more than a year out of the game he might be past the point where he could contribute.
Aaron Heppell
Older brother Dyson won’t be available for the 2016 season but Essendon could still have a Heppell in the side. Aaron was one of their top-up players in the 2015 NAB Challenge.
Mason Shaw
A versatile key position player, Shaw was delisted this year without having made his debut after two years at Port Adelaide. He was reportedly interested in continuing on elsewhere and had impressed at times in the SANFL. A top-up role at Essendon could be his chance.
Mitch Golby
Delisted from Brisbane at the end of 2015, Golby reportedly drew the interest of a number of clubs in the off-season but ultimately did not find a new home. A rebounding defender, he could be a temporary replacement for Michael Hibberd.
Sam Tagliabue
A Ruckman who spent a season with Essendon VFL team and was one of their 2015 NAB Challenge top-up players. He returned to his home state of New South Wales at the end of the year but could come back if AFL opportunities are available.