Player manager reveals rival interest in delisted Don as axed players face waiting game

Delisted Essendon half-back Nick Hind has some interest from rival clubs according to his player manager Scott Lucas of Phoenix Management Group.

Hind was axed by the Bombers in August following 76 games for the club across four seasons including 15 in 2024.

Having played a fair chunk of AFL football just last season, Lucas says there is a little bit of interest from rival clubs who are considering taking the 30-year-old as a delisted free agent.

While that interest is out there, Lucas doesn’t expect the ex-Don to find a new home immediately as clubs focus first on the trade period and draft, with delisted free agents and SSP additions to be looked at later on.

“There’s a little bit (of interest in Hind),” Lucas told SEN Breakfast.

“As we say to a lot of players at this stage of the year, those that are delisted … the trade period is very much about clubs chasing that player that they think is a game changer for them and a real priority for them.

“Post-trade period, clubs assess, ‘What have we been left with? What are needs? What picks do we have in the draft? How many picks do we want to take to the draft?’.

“Then from that, their strategy around delisted free agent or an SSP starts to emerge.

“Clubs, I think will cool their jets even further this year because I think it's fair to say most think it's a really strong draft and a very, very good draft, so clubs will be erring on the side of taking picks rather than trading out at this stage.

“I don't think there's a strong desire for future picks in this particular trade period. It’s all about wanting picks this year.

“For those that have been delisted, it's a real waiting time for them unfortunately as we work through it all, but there is a little bit of interest for Nick.

“But a lot more to play out and a little bit of time will need to pass before finalising any of that.”

Hind also played 22 games for St Kilda in 2019 and 2020, taking his overall tally of AFL games to 95 across six seasons.