Essendon has today informed Elijah Tsatas, Jade Gresham, Liam McMahon and Saad El-Hawli they won’t receive playing contracts for the 2027 season. 

With the departure of Matt Guelfi announced earlier, the Bombers now have five confirmed list changes so far this off-season.  

Gresham came across from St Kilda as a restricted free agent ahead of 2024, adding experience to a young forward half. He played 48 games in three seasons with the Dons to take his career total to 184.

Gresham kicked 19 goals from 22 games in his best year as a Bomber in 2024 and played seven games at AFL level in 2026 kicking six goals.

Tsatas joined the Club with its first pick, No.5 overall, in the 2022 National Draft and played 22 games at AFL level across four seasons.

The 21-year-old became an established ball winner at VFL level, finishing ninth in this year's J.J. Liston Trophy, and averaged 24 disposals across his six senior games in 2026.

El-Hawli paved his way to the AFL at pick No.13 in the 2024 Mid-Season Draft from the Northern Bullants, going on to play 17 games at the highest level.

The pacy winger made a memorable debut as the substitute in round three of 2025, helping spark an inspired comeback win over Port Adelaide. 

McMahon also found an AFL opportunity with Essendon via the following Mid-Season Draft after a previous stint with Collingwood.

The key forward earned a debut in last year’s Challenge Game against GWS and played out the final seven games of that season, slotting a career-best four goals on the road against Geelong.

Essendon's General Manager of List and Recruiting Matt Rosa thanked the four players for their contributions.

"We want to thank Jade, Elijah, Saad and Liam for everything they have given this football club,” Rosa said.

"Jade brought experience and skill to a young forward group and helped guide our young small forwards. Elijah, Saady and Liam each took a different path to Essendon, but each showed great commitment to the club and their teammates.

"Each of them has played an important role across both our AFL and VFL programs, and they have handled these conversations with real maturity.

"We wish them all the best and thank them for their time in the red and black."

Essendon will continue to make further announcements regarding their 2027 AFL list in the coming weeks.