ESSENDON has delisted ex-Tigers defender Matt Dea after the former 'top-up' player managed 12 games for the club this season.
Dea was one of 10 players the Bombers signed in 2016 after the club was hit by a raft of season-long bans to players for breaching ASADA rules.
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His form that season in 21 games saw him sign a two-year contract extension, joining former Cat James Kelly as the only top-ups to continue after the Bombers' suspended players returned.
However, Dea's opportunities dried up after that, playing only six games last year and finishing his career at Essendon with 39 senior appearances after 31 at Richmond.
"Matt is a quality person and is the ultimate professional, both on and off the field," football manager Dan Richardson said.
"Even while he was trying to cement his spot in the team, he was prepared to support the younger guys that were looking for the senior opportunity as well, which speaks volumes of his character.
"This time of year is never easy and unfortunately after discussions with Matt, we were unable to offer him a contract."
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Dea joins Brendon Goddard, Jackson Merrett, Josh Green, Travis Colyer and Matthew Leuenberger as departures at Tullamarine this year, with the club set to use three picks at next month's NAB AFL Draft.
