Essendon Football Club has taken a different approach to the 2024 trade period, choosing not to pursue big-name players despite having the resources to do so. Unlike other teams, they decided against entering bidding wars for talents like Dan Houston, Clayton Oliver, or Bailey Smith. Even though they had the salary cap space and draft assets, the Bombers opted to focus on a longer-term vision rather than immediate acquisitions.
This decision was not made lightly or at the last minute. It’s part of a broader three-year strategy developed by the club’s new list manager, Matt Rosa, alongside CEO Craig Vozzo and head coach Brad Scott. The plan, which has been presented to the club’s board, emphasizes building Essendon’s future through the national draft rather than chasing established players. The belief is that true star power can be developed internally, starting with this year’s draft, which will include prospects like academy recruit Isaac Kako.
The Bombers’ reluctance to make big moves this trade period is not a sign of inaction but a deliberate choice to prioritize long-term success. By avoiding quick-fix solutions, they are banking on the potential of their young players and the opportunity to nurture talent that can lead the team in the years to come. The current strategy contrasts with Essendon’s previous attempts to fast-track their success by recruiting mature players like Jake Stringer and Devon Smith in 2017-19, a move that ultimately did not bring the desired results.
In fact, the failure of that earlier plan, exacerbated by key player departures and the impacts of the pandemic, has only solidified the club’s current focus on sustainable growth. The three-year plan outlines a patient approach, with Essendon expected to target more significant recruits after 2025, when they hope to have a stronger foundation of homegrown talent. By then, the club believes it will be in a better position to chase top-tier players without risking the long-term health of their list.
Though Essendon fans have had their patience tested over the past two decades, the club’s leadership is focused on action rather than promises. The Rosa-Vozzo-Scott trio is quietly building a future-ready team, ensuring that the Bombers can compete at the highest level with a solid and talented core developed through careful drafting. While the immediate results may not be flashy, there is a sense of realism and optimism about Essendon’s long-term prospects.