Jordan Ridley will leave Essendon after a trade with Geelong was finalised today, the third day of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.

The Bombers will receive Geelong midfielder Jack Bowes, the Cats' 2027 first-round pick and their 2028 second-round pick, in exchange for pick 60, their 2028 fourth-round pick and defender Jordan Ridley. 

The deal means Essendon holds picks No.1, 15, 19, 25 and 78 in this year’s National Draft, as well as two first-round selections in 2027, alongside second, third and fourth-round picks. The Bombers also hold their own first-round selection in 2028, in addition to three second-round picks.

Essendon General Manager of List and Recruiting Matt Rosa said the deal brings in an experienced midfielder now and another first-round pick for the future.

"Jordan and his management came to us about the opportunity at Geelong. He's contracted until the end of 2029, so we were only ever going to do a deal that was right for Essendon, and we've worked through it with Geelong to get an outcome that suits everyone," Rosa said.

"Jack has played 152 games, been part of two deep finals campaigns with Geelong and played in a Grand Final. He gives us another experienced body through the midfield to support our young group, and he's someone who really wanted to come to the Bombers.

"We're in a phase where bringing in young talent is the priority. We hold pick No.1, 15, 19 and 25 in a draft we love this year, and adding Geelong's first-round pick means we'll have two first-round selections next year as well. Combined with experienced players like Jack, it puts us in a strong position to keep building a great Essendon team.

"It's never easy to see a player leave who has given this club so much. Since his debut in 2018, Jordan has been a quality player for us, and his 2020 season, when he won the Crichton Medal and was named in the All-Australian squad, was as good as any season a young defender has had. The last few years have been tough for him with injury, and we hope the move gives him a good run at it.

"Jordan is a much loved and respected teammate. We thank him for his 111 games and the professional way he has gone about his footy at Essendon, and wish him and his fiancé Rachel all the best for the next stage of his career," Rosa said.