Essendon is set to begin talks with an out-of-contract Matt Guelfi in the coming weeks, as the club looks to prioritise next Wednesday’s mid-season draft before offering the forward an extension.
Guelfi headlines a list of 20 players who are out of contract at the Bombers this year, with the 26-year-old arguably in career-best form in recent weeks.
Foxfooty.com.au understands that Essendon has been very impressed with his form since returning from a calf strain in Round 1 – a match he kicked two goals to go with his four goal assists.
Subsequently, there is no rush to sign from either Essendon or Guelfi’s management, suggesting both parties are happy with the current state of play.
Guelfi has registered three goals in each of his last two weeks against GWS and North Melbourne, and been a nightmare for opposition defence coaches given his ability to play as a small with the presence of a tall overhead.
He also celebrated his 100th game at the club against the Kangaroos on Sunday; a significant career milestone for all AFL players.
The 184cm product most recently signed a two-year extension in August of 2022, and was picked up by the Bombers with Pick #67 in the 2017 national draft.
Of Guelfi’s teammates, Archie Perkins, Dylan Shiel, Dyson Heppell, Harrison Jones, Jake Kelly, Jake Stringer, Jye Caldwell, Nik Cox, Todd Goldstein and Will Setterfield are just some of the other Bombers also hoping to commence talks with the club on their future at Tullamarine.
Stringer is one of many looking for security at the club long-term, and as reported last month, is seeking a three-year deal instead of a one or two-year extension.
Earlier this month, club vice-captain Andrew McGrath signed a six-year deal to lock himself in at Essendon until at least the end of 2030.
The Bombers look to have one pick available in this year’s mid-season draft, with last year’s mid-season selection Jaiden Hunter ruled out for the season with an ACL injury sustained during January’s pre-season.
Sam Durham, now-Hawk Massimo D’Ambrosio, Jye Menzie and Will Snelling are all recent examples of players taken by Essendon in mid-season draft’s gone by, with all players having experienced success at the top level since being offered an opportunity at the club.
Guelfi and co will look to extend their rise up the ladder this weekend with a win over Richmond on Saturday night during ‘Dreamtime at the ‘G’.
Source Agencies
