Essendon is open to facilitating a move for Aaron Francis to return to South Australia, if it can secure an appropriate deal.

The number six pick from the 2015 National Draft has expressed an interest in returning to his home state.

But the Bombers General Manager of Football Rob Kerr said the South Australian clubs have other trades interests at the moment and expects the versatile 20 year old to remain with the Dons.

“He is interested in a move back home but he’s obviously contracted and we still rate him highly as a footballer and value him as a person,” Kerr said.

“We have some understanding and sympathy for his personal circumstances and why he might want to move home but it would have to be a deal that was satisfactory for that to occur.

“If that doesn’t happen, we’re more than happy to keep working with him and help him develop into the footballer that we believe he can be.”

Francis has played five senior games throughout his first two seasons in the AFL.

He has also produced a series of eye-catching performances at VFL level.

The trade period officially opened on Monday and closes on Thursday October 19 at 2pm.