Essendon Football Club has today farewelled Tom Cutler, Garrett McDonagh and Tom Hird after the trio were informed their contracts would not be renewed for 2023.

Cutler arrived at the NEC Hangar at the end of 2019 via a trade with Brisbane which saw Essendon swap pick No.72 and a future third-round selection to secure Cutler’s services and pick No.64.

Reinventing himself as a half-back at the Bombers, Cutler played 30 games for the Bombers totalling 96 career games across his two clubs.

McDonagh and Hird were important contributors at a VFL level, with McDonagh arriving at the Bombers in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft as a mature-aged recruit.

Hird was signed in early 2020 as a Category B rookie following a career in elite soccer.

General Manager of Football Josh Mahoney thanked Tom, Garrett and Tom for their contribution to Essendon.

“It is always a tough time of the year when we make changes to our playing list,” Mahoney said.

“These three players handled this news with great professionalism and we wish them all the best for their future endeavours. They will always be welcome at the Essendon Football Club.”