Essendon has informed Ellyse Gamble, Jess Verbrugge and Amelie Gladman they won’t be offered contracts for 2026.

With the earlier departures of Mia van Dyke, Grace Brooker and Brooke Sheridan also considered, the Bombers have now made six list changes following the conclusion of the season.

An inaugural Don from the 2022 season, Gamble established herself as a pillar in defence from the Club’s early appearances in the competition and tallied 39 games in the red and black.

After a career-best 2023 campaign in the back half where she finished seventh in the Best and Fairest, Gamble also proved to be a capable forward target the following year, slotting six goals from nine games in a new role.

Verbrugge and Gladman each joined Essendon as replacement players ahead of 2025, with the pair making a memorable double debut in a 15-point victory over Richmond for Dreamtime in Darwin.

The pair went on to play three and five games respectively for the remainder of the season.

“We thank all three players for their hard work and dedication to the footy club,” AFLW List and Recruiting Manager Josh Moore said.

“Amelie and Jess have each shown great professionalism in a short period of time with the Club and we’re really appreciative of their efforts this season.

“Ellyse is a highly respected and experienced teammate who had a positive impact in her four seasons here. Her ability to contribute at both ends of the ground was big for the group on plenty of occasions.

“We wish each of the three players all the best for the future and thank them for what they brought to our culture as players and people.”