Essendon has informed veteran Matt Guelfi he won’t be offered a playing contract for the 2027 season. 

The 29-year-old played 124 games for the Bombers after coming over from WA as pick No.76 in the 2017 National Draft, establishing himself as a reliable contributor and a late-draft steal for the Club. 

He featured in 15 games during his 2018 debut season and won the Club’s Lindsay Griffiths Rising Star Award as its best first-year player. 

Coming into his own as a tough small-pressure forward, Guelfi enjoyed a career-best campaign in 2022, slotting 17 goals from 20 games and recording 12 direct goal assists. He would finish third in the Crichton Medal that season.

Guelfi was a much-loved teammate and clubman in his nine seasons, always willing to put his body on the line with desperate one-percenters and courageous on-field acts.

Off-field, Guelfi was renowned for his touching association with Challenge Kids with Cancer after forming a close bond with several of the children and their families.

Painting his nails ahead of an inspired win over GWS in 2024, Guelfi slotted three majors and paid tribute to Challenge Kids in his goal celebrations. 

Despite being hampered by soft tissue injuries in the final three years of his stint with Essendon, Guelfi remained a positive influence around the Club and played an important role as a leader in the VFL side’s run to a preliminary final this year.  

Essendon’s General Manager of List and Recruiting Matt Rosa thanked Guelfi for his service to the red and black.

“’Guelf’ has been a great servant of the footy club,” Rosa said.

“It’s tough seeing long-serving players depart when it comes time to make changes to the list, but he’s handled it really well. 

“He’s been a much-loved person around this playing group and always got the most out of himself. We’re really thankful for his contributions in the red and black. 

“We wish him all the best for the future.”