Small forward to test free agency after leaving Dons after eight years
SMALL forward Leroy Jetta is set to explore his options through free agency after parting ways with Essendon.
Jetta has played only 10 games in the past two years, including two in 2014, and was not contracted for 2015.
Essendon confirmed on Sunday that Jetta and the club had agreed to split.
Jetta played 93 games in eight seasons.
"It is a difficult decision to move on after eight years at Essendon but the time is right to look for new opportunities elsewhere," Jetta said.
"I've been lucky enough to play under some terrific coaches, including James Hird and Mark Thompson, and I would like to thank everyone at the Essendon Football Club for the support they have shown me, especially my teammates.
"I'd also like to thank the fans and supporters. I will always look back at my time at Essendon with great memories."
Jetta’s manager Colin Young said he had been in discussions with the club recently.
“I've met with Adrian Dodoro over the last three months to discuss Leroy’s future,” he said.
“Obviously he wasn’t playing senior football and Leroy decided it was time to seek a new home and opportunities at another club.
“Importantly, this decision has not been made in relation to any other matter,” Young said, in an apparent reference
to Essendon's ASADA dramas.
An unrestricted free agent, Jetta had fallen behind young Bombers Zach Merrett, Jackson Merrett, Travis Colyer and Martin Gleeson in the pecking order at Essendon.
Drafted with pick No.18 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft, he enjoyed his best season in 2011, playing every game and kicking 27 goals.
He played 21 games in 2012 and signed a two-year contract extension, but hasn't been able to rediscover his best football since.