JAMES Kelly wants to play on at Essendon next year but will need to wait until the trade period to know if there is a place for him on the club's list.

The Bombers are keen to retain the former Cat in 2017 and AFL.com.au understands Kelly, after fluctuating on the thought of playing next season, has set his mind on returning to Essendon.

But Essendon can't yet guarantee Kelly a place on its list before it enters what looks set to be a busy exchange period, with departing Gold Coast midfielder Jaeger O'Meara topping the club's wish list.

Greater Western Sydney defender Caleb Marchbank and Western Bulldogs midfielder Koby Stevens have also been linked to the Bombers, who are also open to offers for their prized No.1 draft pick.

After a recent rule tweak by the AFL, Essendon's 10 top-up players are now considered delisted free agents, meaning the Bombers – or any other club – can automatically list them from November 1, when the first delisted free agency window opens.

Originally the club's group of 'replacement' players was going to need to be re-drafted, either at the national or rookie draft, to continue their AFL careers.

It makes it a far more straightforward proposition for Kelly and fellow top-up player Matt Dea to remain at the Bombers, who hope to have both players in their line-up next season.

Kelly, who turns 33 in December, finished equal second in the Bombers' best and fairest last week alongside emerging forward Joe Daniher. He averaged 25 disposals in 20 games this season and added excellent experience and a cool head to Essendon's half-back line.

Dea was named the club's most courageous player at last week's Crichton Medal after a strong season in Essendon's backline.

The former Richmond defender appears likely to fill the void left by Michael Hibberd, who has requested a trade once his 12-month WADA ban ends.



The Bombers face an interesting off-season, with 12 players, including regular senior options Courtenay Dempsey and Martin Gleeson, remaining out of contract.

Second-year forward Jayden Laverde is also unsigned and attracting serious interest from rival clubs after slow-moving contract talks.