Essendon has informed Nik Cox, Tom Edwards and Kayle Gerreyn they will be removed from the playing list as the Bombers continue to shape their squad ahead of the upcoming Telstra AFL Draft and Rookie Draft.

The Club remains open to potential train-on opportunities for each of the trio, should list spots become available in the coming months.

The three vacant list spots will provide the Bombers with added flexibility heading into the draft, where they currently hold picks No.1, 17 and 25.

Selected with pick No.8 in the 2020 National Draft, Cox suited up 61 times for the Dons in his six seasons - the 200cm swingman made an impressive start to his career, finishing in the top 10 of the Rising Star voting in his debut campaign.

Cox bravely fought back from a two-year struggle with persistent concussion symptoms to earn senior opportunities once again in 2026. He starred for the Club’s VFL outfit in their charge to a Preliminary Final, slotting seven goals late in the season against Coburg.

Cox made 61 appearances for the Bombers. (Photo: AFL)

Edwards booted three goals against the Crows on debut, celebrating a rapid ascent in joining the Bombers as an SSP selection from the WAFL for 2025.

The crafty forward was shot down by an ACL injury in his first season but again worked back into the senior side this year to take his career games tally to nine. Edwards last appeared in round 12, being squeezed out of the selection mix and suffering soft tissue injuries in the second half of the year.

Gerreyn joined the Dons with pick No.37 at the end of 2024, impressing as a key forward at VFL level in his first year with the Club.

The WA prospect was moved into defence ahead of this season and showed some promising signs, however missed a large chunk of the latter half of 2026 with a niggling knee injury. He didn't earn a senior debut in his two seasons.

Gerreyn featured in 28 VFL games over two seasons. (Photo: AFL)

Essendon’s General Manager of List & Recruiting Matt Rosa thanked each of the players for their professionalism and said the Club would continue to keep its options open as they navigate the draft period. 

“We’ve had conversations with all three boys and made them aware of the direction we’re taking with our list,” Rosa said.

“These decisions are never easy, and we’re thankful for everything Nik, Tom and Kayle have contributed to the club during their time at Essendon. They’ve handled tough news with class and maturity as expected.

“‘Coxy’s troubles with concussion in recent seasons were well documented but he always maintained a really positive outlook on his footy, and we were rapt he was able to get back on the park this year and show some good form up forward in the VFL.

“‘Shifty’ and Kayle were unlucky with their setbacks at different stages this year. It was great for Tom to work his way back from an ACL injury and get more senior footy under his belt in 2026.

Edwards booted 11 goals from nine games in the red and black. (Photo: AFL)

"While Kayle didn’t debut for the Club, he took a lot out of his two seasons at the elite level.

“With that, we’ve made it clear that we’re not closing any doors on these boys. There may still be opportunities for them to train on with us over the Summer, depending on the future shape of our list and how our drafting plays out.

“We have an exciting draft hand, including picks No.1, 17, and 25, and it’s important that we maintain the flexibility to make the most of those opportunities and address our list needs across the draft.”