Jake Kelly’s impending move to Essendon fills a position that the club is already well stocked in, according to Jordan Lewis.
Adelaide confirmed on Friday that the 26-year-old would leave the club as an unrestricted free agent, with AFL Media reporting that the Bombers loomed as his likely destination.
Kelly, who is the son of Collingwood premiership player and high-profile player manager Craig, played 20 games for Adelaide this year before opting not to renew his contract.
While Lewis believes Kelly will add plenty to already strong Essendon defensive outfit, he wondered whether other Victorian clubs who had a greater needed for a player of his ability were aware he was available after the Crows defender signalled his intention to head back to his home state.
“It’s not really a need Essendon has,” he said on AFL Nation.
“Their defence is really solid, clearly he’ll add to that but I think there would’ve been a few Victorian sides that would have liked to have known he was interested in coming home and putting their offer forward and seeing whether he wanted to join them.
“It’ll just strengthens Essendon’s backline and I think they’ll be a side that plays finals again next year."
North Melbourne were the other team tipped to be in the mix to sign Kelly, before he reportedly nominated Essendon as his club of choice.