Essendon has made preliminary enquiries around unsigned North Melbourne forward Cam Zurhaar.
Zurhaar has been sitting on a Kangaroos contract for two months and has understandably held off committing given the ongoing uncertainty around who will take over as senior coach.
While the Bombers have some interest in the 24-year-old goalkicker, there is also a belief he re-signs at Arden Street once a coach is named.
Further, Essendon have other holes they want to fill, particularly the addition of a big-bodied midfielder.
Josh Dunkley requested a trade to the Dons in 2020, but the Western Bulldogs held the onballer to his contract. Angus Brayshaw was an Essendon target earlier this year before signing back on at Melbourne.
The Bombers feel a bigger midfielder would complement an existing engine room which includes Zach Merrett (179cm), Darcy Parish (180cm), Dylan Shiel (182cm), Jye Caldwell (183cm) and youngster Ben Hobbs (183cm).
Dunkley’s contract expires this year and while the Dogs have presented him with a long-term offer, negotiations have progressed slowly.
The Dunkley camp hasn’t rejected the offer, but haven’t presented a counter-offer, either.
Dunkley is said to be happy and engaged at Whitten Oval, but while the Dogs expect him to stay it’s not moving quickly.