Essendon will receive two additional Category A Rookie List spots for the 2027 season as its assistance package from the AFL.

The league confirmed the final outcome this week following the Club’s request, with the list positions to be reviewed at the conclusion of next season.

This package provides support for 2027 only, however the AFL reserves the right to recommend additional list spots for the Club in 2028 and 2029.

See below for the key dates leading into this year’s trade, free agency and draft periods: 

Fri Oct 2 - Fri Oct 9: 2026 AFL Free Agency Period
Mon Oct 5 - Wed Oct 14: 2026 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period
Thu Nov 19 - Fri Nov 20: 2026 Telstra AFL Draft
Mon Nov 23: 2026 Telstra Pre-Season and Rookie Drafts

Head here to track all of Essendon’s player movement news this off-season.