As the first ever AFL free agency period draws to a close, Essendon still has four unrestricted free agents in the market.

The Bombers started the three-week free agency period, which ends on Friday at 5pm, with six eligible free agents.

From that original group of six players the club traded Angus Monfries to Port Adelaide in exchange for selection 48 and veteran Dustin Fletcher signed a new one-year deal.

Ricky Dyson, David Hille, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Henry Slattery are the current un-restricted free agents on the list.

Essendon List Manager Adrian Dodoro said he expected the closure of free agency to signal a more active final week in the trade period.

“Speaking with a lot of the other clubs, they are just waiting to see what the compensation will be for those free agents they have lost,” Dodoro said.

“I think there will be about six or seven picks that will be added to the pool and I think that is when you will see a fair bit of movement.”

"Clubs will have more currency to play with and I think you will see some movement.”

Slattery’s future has already been decided with the 26-year-old seeking further opportunities elsewhere after meeting with coach James Hird.

31-year-old Hille is expected to re-sign with the club for one more season once he returns from his current overseas trip.

Any unrestricted free agent may automatically move to the club of his choice during the free agency period.

In the case that a free agent does not wish to remain at his original club then he must enter the draft or seek a trade.