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UNRESTRICTED free agent Tayte Pears hopes to secure a new deal at Essendon, with the backman eyeing more senior opportunities following the departure of fellow tall Jake Carlisle.
Pears, 25, has played just 70 games in seven seasons with the Bombers, and made only two appearances this year, but is likely to ignore interest from rival clubs to remain at Bomberland.
Pears' manager Tom Petroro said the appointment of new Bombers coach John Worsfold had temporarily held up negotiations on a new deal.
"There's been some interest from other clubs, however we're pretty confident Essendon are really keen to retain his services, particularly in light of losing Carlisle," Petroro told SEN on Thursday morning.
"It was his first year that he'd actually been able to string a full season (of fitness) together for a couple of years.
"I'd be confident that I'll be in discussions with Essendon at some point in the next week or so."
Petroro said Pears was "really bullish" about his prospects after overcoming the injury problems that hampered his progress in recent seasons.
This is the first time in "a long while" that Pears hasn't had to undergo post-season surgery.
Petroro said the backman was hoping to gain a fresh start at Essendon "with a new coach, probably some new administrators, and probably a few new assistant coaches - fresh opinions of Tayte and fresh ideas".
"Tayte's a loyal kid and would grab the opportunity at Essendon if it came about."
Petroro also provided updates on fellow clients in West Coast vice-captain Scott Selwood and Carlton swingman Lachie Henderson, both of whom are being courted by Geelong.
He said Selwood would decide "probably by the end of this week or early next week" whether to have another shot at a premiership with the Eagles or "live a dream" by playing with older brother Joel, the Cats' captain.
Petroro was confident a deal would be brokered to send Henderson to the Cattery, though it might depend on whether Geelong can secure Patrick Dangerfield via free agency or a trade.
