ESSENDON intends to sign top up players James Kelly and Matt Dea as delisted free agents heading into season 2017.

Kelly and Dea made the most of their opportunity to continue their AFL careers this year and will now likely extend their time in red and black into next season.

The Bombers confirmed the duo are expected to sign on during the delisted free agency period, which begins on November 1, after the AFL softened its rules around the re-listing of top up players.

“We know James and Matt are keen to play on in the red and black and we are looking forward to what they can continue to offer with their experience next season,” Essendon football manager Rob Kerr said.

media_camera James Kelly enjoyed a brilliant year for Essendon. Picture: Getty Images

“We have been in constant dialogue with James, Matt and each of their management groups since the end of the season regarding the opportunity for them to return.

“They both had outstanding seasons in 2016 and were important leaders for the team both on and off the field.”

Kelly had an outstanding season and capped it off with an equal second placing in Essendon’s best and fairest behind dynamic midfielder Zach Merrett.

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His manager, Tom Petroro of Stride Sports Management, said on Wednesday he was confident Kelly would continue his career into next season.

“It is our understanding that the club is really keen for James to stay on and play,” Petroro said on Trade Radio.

“James is a bit about process too. James will have to be a delisted free agent. He can’t just be recontracted. There is also the uncertainty of the trade period. Essendon have been busy early. Whether they will be active now is another part.

media_camera Matt Dea impressed after being delisted by Richmond. Picture: Hamish Blair

“I’m reasonably confident that he (Kelly) will be playing next year.”

Meanwhile, Petroro confirmed departing Giant Caleb Marchbank is set to be a Blue in 2017.

Marchbank requested a trade out of GWS last month. He played seven games for the Giants after being drafted in 2014.

“Caleb met with four clubs through the process. Part of his decision marking was, one — what is the best club for me, what will make me a better player, which environment is best for me?

“Then two — which is my piece, there is a contract element and how can they get a deal done.

I’m really confident that will get done.”

Petroro also touched on a number of his other clients.

On Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff, Petroro said,” Unless something drastic happens in the next couple of weeks, I can’t see Rockliff moving. There’s probably been times he’s considered moving, but there’s Lions in his blood.

media_camera Tom Rockliff’s manager says he wants to remain at Brisbane. Picture: Getty Images

“I think the Fagan and Noble appointments are going to be really supportive and make Rockliff a better player.”

Petroro said Nick Dal Santo would be in the AFL in some capacity next year but he wasn’t sure if that would be as a player or a coach.

Dal Santo was initially linked to Collingwood after being delisted by North Melbourne.

Todd Goldstein will be at North Melbourne next season.