Essendon are closing in on a back-up for No.1 ruckman Tom Bellchambers, with former Fremantle tall Zac Clarke expected to sign with the club.
Clarke was cut the by the Dockers at the end of the 2017 season after 101 games, with a serious knee injury ruining his last season with the WA club.
But the 28-year-old starred with eventual premiers Subiaco in the WAFL this season and is set to fill the void left by the surprise retirement of Matthew Leuenberger.
Clarke will sign on with the Bombers as a delisted free agent and will be free to join their pre-season program right away.
The 203cm ruckman allayed lingering concerns about his knee injury by featuring in 20 games for Subiaco this year, including a 50-hitout performance against West Perth in the grand final win.
His signing fills a gap for Essendon, who had been keen to retain Leuenberger, before he decided to pursue opportunities away from football.
Clarke was selected by the Dockers with the 37th overall pick at the 2008 draft and kicked 46 goals during his time at the club.
Aransan
Roar Rookie
Every club needs a primary ruckman, a backup ruck, a forward ruck and a developing ruck. With the loss of Leuenberger and the likely arrival of Clarke that will give Essendon Bellchambers, Clarke, McKernan and Draper. Draper would be capable of playing a few games later in the 2019 season.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
There's always Ajang squared, but I think he's still a year from senior WAFL level, although 33 hitouts in the WAFL reserves Grand Final means he's on track. He kicked a slippery goal in this clip- https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/ajang-ajang-kicks-impressive-goal-in-his-third-game-bc-5829878369001
Jakarta Fan
Roar Rookie
Leuenberger was serviceable for the Dons, and Draper, they say, is tracking well but needs another year or two. So Clarke is a good stop-gap for Bellchambers but could surprise if he can bring the WAFL form back to the AFL.
Professor X
Guest
What next for the west coast eagles ruck stocks? Nick meese? Bailey Williams would be good but we need a pure ruck not a ruck/fwd.
User
Roar Rookie
Steal for Essendon, Clarke was magnificent at the Subiaco lions with not only his ruck work but also his ability to push fwd and hit the scoreboard.