Essendon would like to thank Brandon Zerk-Thatcher for his contribution to the club following a trade that will see the defender play for Port Adelaide in 2024.

Zerk-Thatcher requested a trade earlier in the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, with the Bombers and Power coming to an agreement on the final day of the period.

Essendon will receive midfielder Xavier Duursma in return for Zerk-Thatcher.

Hailing from Murray Bridge in South Australia, Zerk-Thatcher arrived at the Bombers through pick No.66 in the 2017 National Draft.

2023 was a career-best year for the defender, playing 22 games and taking his total tally to 51.

General Manager of List and Recruiting thanked Zerk-Thatcher for his contribution to the club over his six seasons at the NEC Hangar.

“It’s disappointing to lose Brandon as he has been a valuable contributor to our team,” Dodoro said.

“He expressed a desire to return home to Adelaide and we wish him all the best for his new chapter at Port Adelaide.”