Laverde, who has been a reliable key defender over 11 seasons, has completed a medical at GWS and hopes to secure a rookie spot for 2026.

Essendon Football Club has delisted veteran players Jayden Laverde and Todd Goldstein, signaling a significant transition as the club prepares for the upcoming season.

Jayden Laverde, after meeting with GWS Giants for a medical assessment, is expected to sign as a rookie for 2026, aiming to strengthen GWS's defense and join former teammate Jake Stringer.

Club officials acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions, emphasizing appreciation for the players' service and wishing them success in their future careers.

The club is facing substantial turnover, with key veterans like Zach Merrett, Sam Draper, and Jordan Ridley potentially leaving during the trade period, amid a tough season that saw them finish 15th and endure a 13-match losing streak.

Todd Goldstein, a highly experienced ruckman with 345 AFL games, was delisted by Essendon at age 37, despite his decorated career, and is interested in continuing his playing career elsewhere.

Essendon's ruck stocks are limited, with Nick Bryan recovering from an ACL injury and Vigo Visentini still developing, prompting the club to seek experienced reinforcements.

The club's poor performance this season was heavily impacted by injuries, leading to the debut of 15 players and a focus on rebuilding, with no finals appearances since 2004.

The club's future remains uncertain, heavily influenced by Merrett's potential departure and strategic recruitment during the off-season.

Zach Merrett, contracted until 2027, is seeking to leave the club, which has struggled with injuries and poor results, finishing 15th after losing 13 straight games.

Laverde, a 145-game player and close friend of captain Zach Merrett, is planning to seek a new team, potentially GWS, where he could reunite with former teammate Jake Stringer.

The delisting of Laverde and Goldstein, along with the loss of other veterans like Dylan Shiel, reflects Essendon's ongoing transition and efforts to rebuild for the future.