AFL Trade Rumours: Dons confirm Hibberd wants a new home

Michael Hibberd will be at a new AFL club in 2017 after the Essendon Bombers confirmed today via a statement on their website that the suspended half-back is seeking a trade at the end of the year.

Their statement reads:

Michael Hibberd has informed the club that he wishes to seek a fresh start elsewhere next season.

The 26-year-old has thanked the club for its ongoing support during what was a difficult decision making process.

“I really appreciate the club giving me the time and space I needed to reach this decision about my playing future,” Hibberd said.

“I had a process to work through, and after having time to reflect I felt like I need a fresh start at another club to reinvigorate my career.

“I have, and will always have, great mates at the club and I wish them and the club all the best for next season and beyond. I have no ill feeling toward Essendon, and would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to play senior football”.

Essendon Chief Executive Officer, Xavier Campbell, said the club would respect Michael’s wishes.

“Obviously we are disappointed Michael won’t be continuing his career at Essendon, but we understand and respect the reason behind his decision and will not stand in his way,” Campbell said.

“We will now work to find a fair and reasonable outcome for both Michael and the Essendon Football Club.

“Finally, on behalf of the club I’d like to thank Michael for his professionalism and contribution, he will always be welcome at the Essendon Football Club and we wish him all the best for the future.”

The news comes just days after Essendon re-signed Michael Hurley to a five-year deal, ending long-standing speculation about his future.

The Bombers have also signed key planks Dyson Heppell and Cale Hooker to long-term deals this season, as well as obtaining commitments from many of their other banned players – Travis Colyer, Heath Hocking, David Myers, Brent Stanton and Tom Bellchambers.

This makes Hibberd the first of the ‘Essendon 12’ to decide to leave the club, and it is quite possible he will also be the last.

The only three left uncommitted are Tayte Pears, who is weighing up the opportunity to pursue a firefighting career, Ben Howlett, who has drawn some interest from other clubs but nothing specific to date, and former captain Jobe Watson, who is considering whether or not to return to the game.

Dons fans can proudly say that the prophesied ‘exodus’ has failed to materialise and they will enter 2017 with a list well stocked with both experienced senior talent and exciting youth.

Hibberd, in particular, will not be seen as a big loss for the club, due to the rapid development this year of Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, who earlier in the week signed a three-year contract extension.

McDonald-Tipungwuti, who like Hibberd plays mostly as an attacking half-back, has filled the gap left by Hibberd this year and Dons fans will be happy to see him retain that role in 2017.

As for Hibberd himself, there has been rumour around for some time that the Melbourne Demons have made him an enticing offer.

The Dees have been looking for a smooth user of the ball coming out of the backline for a while now – even recruiting Jake Melksham to fill that role last year before he was suspended – and Hibberd is exactly that.

Hibberd had excellent campaigns in the 2013 and 2014 seasons, though his 2015 efforts were hampered by injury.

While he will no doubt take time to readjust to AFL level, if Melbourne get him back to his best form, the 26-year-old could prove to be a serious weapon for them as they push for the finals in 2017.

The Demons don’t have a first-round pick to offer Essendon this year after trading it to Gold Coast in last year’s trade period, but a second-round pick will probably get the job done, given Hibberd could potentially have his contract nullified and leave for no return if he goes through a grievance process.

That said, Essendon have been notorious in recent years for requesting big prices to trade away their players, and with so much young talent on Melbourne’s list that they would love to poach, there might be a few complications left in this tale yet.