Restricted free agent, Matthew Leuenberger, has nominated Essendon as his preferred Club of choice for season 2016 to 2018.

The Club has lodged the official paperwork with the AFL and will now wait to see if the Brisbane Lions choose to match the offer.

Regarded as one of the most exciting ruckmen in the competition, the 27 year-old has played 108 games and kicked 27 goals with the Lions.

Leuenberger played 14 games in 2015, including a standout performance against Fremantle in Round 14 where he had 51 hit-outs, 9 tackles and kicked two goals.