ESSENDON'S first wooden spoon since 1933 and the impending departure of Michael Hibberd have the Bombers perfectly placed to snare an uncontracted player in the pre-season draft.
It could give them leverage in negotiations with Gold Coast's midfield star Jaeger O'Meara if he chooses to join the Bombers, after saying last week he wants to join a Victorian club.
The Bombers have made their interest in O'Meara known but it remains to be seen whether they are the 22-year-old's preferred destination, with a number of clubs in the mix.
Western Bulldogs midfielder Koby Stevens, who remains unsigned, is one player who has been linked with Essendon while Richmond midfielder Reece Conca could also be an attractive proposition if available in the pre-season draft.
Stevens, 25, returned to the Bulldogs' senior side for the game against Fremantle and adds grunt to their midfield, while Conca has battled injury at the Tigers but at 24 has upside.
With more players than ever unsigned at this stage of the season, the pre-season draft is likely to be more significant this year.
Bombers coach John Worsfold said on SEN on Monday the club would be active in the trading period, identifying West Coast defenders Eric McKenzie, who has a year remaining on his contract, and free agent Mitch Brown as potential targets.
Hibberd's decision to request a trade has also opened up some space in the club's cap, given that Essendon has been forced to offer lucrative long-term deals to retain suspended players.
The pre-season draft was cancelled last season after all clubs declined to take part, but it has been used in the past to claim uncontracted players.
It became less relevant after the introduction of free agency, with players able to switch clubs as delisted free agents if they were not offered a new contract, but it is still used occasionally as a bargaining tool during trade talks.
Players selected in the pre-season draft can also set their own contractual terms.
Former Bulldog Jason Tutt joined Carlton through the pre-season draft in 2015 while Jed Lamb, who is now with the Blues, joined Greater Western Sydney from the Sydney Swans via the pre-season draft in 2014.