ESSENDON has delisted half-back Jason Ashby after four seasons at the club.
The 22-year-old was told on Friday that he would not be offered a new deal for 2017, becoming the club's second delisting after Essendon had earlier cut James Gwilt.
Ashby played 12 games for the Bombers after joining the club as its pick No.34 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
"Jason is a terrific young man, and an extremely popular member of the playing group," Essendon football manager Rob Kerr said.
"Competition for spots as a defender has been tough, but Jason's resilience and hard work over the journey saw him rewarded with several opportunities to perform at senior level.
"Jason will always be welcome at Essendon, and on behalf of everyone at the club we wish him all the very best for his future, both on and off the field."
Who's hanging up the boots? Keep track of 2016's retirements and delistings
The Bombers are likely to make several more list cuts in coming weeks, with senior-list players Shaun Edwards, Nick Kommer and Shaun McKernan still out of contract.
Essendon re-signed Martin Gleeson this week to a new two-year deal, while exciting youngster Jayden Laverde is also set to ink a new two-year deal which will tie him to the Bombers until the end of 2018.
