OUTGOING Essendon defender Henry Slattery says several Bombers have been left in limbo and may join him in leaving the club.

Slattery decided to leave his club of eight years through the current Gillette AFL Free Agency Period citing lack of opportunity.

The 26-year-old told AFL.com.au's Gillette AFL Trade Radio he had been thinking about leaving the Bombers for up to 12 months and said he wasn't the only one not feeling the love.

Slattery agreed that players left in limbo could follow his lead and seek opportunity elsewhere.

"We're a pretty close group of mates there and there's a lot of players that don't know what's happening ... they're in limbo a little bit," Slattery said.

"There's a lot of players that don't know if they're still wanted ... it's pretty hard for them, I suppose I'm in a good situation where I know what's going on and can plan."

Slattery, who grew up in Adelaide and was drafted by Essendon from West Adelaide, said he would "love" to play for Port Adelaide next season.

As an unrestricted free agent, Slattery could sign an offer from the Power and switch clubs instantly.

He said his management had been in touch with the Adelaide-based club and that he would take an opportunity to play in his home city "with both hands".

"Any opportunity that comes up we'd definitely take it," he said.

"Not knowing (Port's) coach and there's a lot been happening with their club so it's a bit hard to try and sit down and have a good chat ... we'll probably find out more in the next week or so.

"Port were a club that showed a bit of interest and I think we're sort of trying to hone in on that club.

"Me and my wife are from Adelaide as well and, although we love it Melbourne, it'd be quite an easy move up to Adelaide for us."