Essendon is hopeful it will be able to participate in next Tuesday's AFL pre-season draft after yesterday officially de-listing Port Lincoln youngster Marcus Pickett.

Pickett, 19, spent just one year with the club after being drafted from the Port Adelaide Magpies.

Pickett, the younger brother of Kangaroo star Byron, is not expected to nominate for next Tuesday's draft.

"Marcus just has other priorities in his life right now and football had to take a back seat," Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said.

"He was spending a lot of time at home in Port Lincoln and the travel was making life tough. We wish him all the best for the future."

AFL investigations manager Michael Easy is now examining the books of all clubs to assess total player payments for 2001 and determine the order of selection next Tuesday.

"We are confident we will be able to participate next Tuesday. It is now a matter of looking at what's available and seeing what fits in with our needs," Drain said.

Former collingwood player Shane Watson has been training with the Bombers and has nominated for the draft.

"He is one of a number of players we are looking at," Drain said.

Among the players to have nominated for the draft are Tony Brown, Paul Lynch, Ryan Pagan and Ryan O'Connor.