Essendon has informed Maggie MacLachlan, Sophie Strong and Brooke Brown they will not be offered contracts for the 2027 AFLW season.
It marks the first list changes following a 2-10 campaign for the Bombers, who hosted their full slate of exit interviews at the NEC Hangar this week off the back of the final-round win over Collingwood.
Brown spent four seasons in red and black as the Club’s first ever PSP signing, appearing in both of the Club’s finals appearances across 2023 and ’24.
The rangy defender was quick to establish herself as a staple behind the ball and proved valuable to the Dons with her intercept game and ability to match up well physically with opposition key forwards.
Her final two seasons as a Bomber were largely curtailed by persistent bone stress injuries, with the former Roo unable to register a senior game this year and add to her 43 career games.
MacLachlan joined the Dons as a replacement signing from Subiaco ahead of 2025 and made a fast start, featuring in 11 of 12 possible games during her first season in the sash and slotting two goals in a memorable Club debut against GWS.
The 24-year-old struggled for consistent senior opportunities in 2026, with her final game for the Club coming in round seven.
Including her previous stints with Port Adelaide and Fremantle, MacLachlan took her total AFLW games tally to 26 at the conclusion of this season.
Strong found her way to Essendon via the National Draft at pick No.35 back in 2024.
The Tasmanian speedster earned a handful of senior games in her first year after a limited pre-season but found it difficult to break into the side as a small forward in 2026.
Playing out the final three games of this season, Strong slotted a maiden career goal against reigning premiers North Melbourne and finished her tenure at the Club with eight games to her name.
“I would like to thank Maggie, Sophie and Brooke for their contribution to our AFLW program over the past few years. They have each shown a commitment to developing their game while making a valuable contribution to their teammates and the broader program,” Essendon’s General Manager of AFLW Aysha Ward said.
“It is never easy to farewell players, particularly those who have given so much to the football club. We are grateful for the professionalism, character, and commitment they have shown throughout their time at Essendon.
“We wish all three players the best for their next chapter.”
The Club will communicate further news around list changes and player acquisition as the off-season progresses.
