Essendon has today informed Mia Van Dyke and Brooke Sheridan they won’t be offered contracts for the 2026 AFLW season.

These mark the first list changes for the Club following the group’s final game against Sydney last Saturday. 

Van Dyke was taken at pick No.46 in the 2022 National Draft and was part of the Dons’ first ever AFLW side against Hawthorn in round one of that year.

The defender featured in 11 games and showed a continuous drive to grow her game over her four seasons on the list.

Sheridan joined the Bombers as a replacement player on the verge of the 2024 season, following separate stints on the Brisbane Lions list and North Melbourne’s VFLW. 

The 21-year-old earned her AFLW debut in the Club’s winning effort against the Swans last week.

The Club thanks Sheridan and Van Dyke for their commitment to the Bombers and wish them well in their next chapter. 

“It’s always difficult to farewell good people at this time of year and that’s certainly been felt for us with Mia and Brooke,” AFLW List and Recruiting Manager Josh Moore said. 

“As one of our inaugural players, Mia has been a popular teammate throughout her four years in the competition. Featuring in our first ever side will always be a great achievement. 

“For Brooke to earn a senior debut this season was a testament to her character and perseverance. 

“We thank both Mia and Brooke for their contributions to Essendon on and off the field.”