Essendon ruckman Sam Draper has officially been designated an unrestricted free agent by the AFL, a decision that has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Typically, players who have completed eight years of service—or those previously delisted—qualify for restricted free agency, allowing them to negotiate with other clubs while their current team retains the right to match any offers. However, according to Nine’s chief AFL reporter Tom Morris, Draper’s classification as unrestricted free agent stems from his salary, which places him outside the club’s top 25 per cent of earners.
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Max Gawn of the Demons and Sam Draper of the Bombers Getty
“It’s certainly a major shock,” Morris expressed to 9News Melbourne.
“He has spent eight years in the league, and the prevailing opinion was that he would be a restricted free agent. Yet, due to his salary, which is reportedly around $550,000 to $600,000 annually, he doesn’t rank among the top ten earners at Essendon. This means if he chooses to depart at the season’s end, the Bombers will have no recourse.
“With Adelaide showing interest, a big choice lies ahead for him.”
The Crows have been connected to the South Australian ruckman for quite some time.
Adelaide is likely looking to enhance their ruck division, currently anchored by veteran Reilly O’Brien, as the season wraps up.
Draper has made a strong start to the 2025 season following several injury-plagued years, boasting averages of 19 hit-outs, 13 disposals, and five score contributions per match.
However, following the torn ACL of ruck partner Nick Bryan during the game against Melbourne on Saturday, the 26-year-old will need to shoulder an increased workload in the coming matches.
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