The logic behind Essendon trading out top draft pick unpacked

Matthew Lloyd has explained the logic behind Essendon trading out their first round draft pick this year.

The Bombers are set to welcome highly-rated academy prospect Isaac Kako through the draft this year, with a bid before the club’s pick nine meaning that pick would disappear on draft night.

It’s that fear which Lloyd says prompted Essendon to look at moving their pick on in favour of gaining a future first round pick in 2025.

Click PLAY to listen to the latest 3AW Football trade podcast with Matthew Lloyd and Bruce Eva

“It’s never easy for the Bombers giving up pick nine in a good draft,” Lloyd told the 3AW Football’s trade podcast.

“I think the Saints or potentially another team at pick seven or eight (would have bid on him)…he regarded at the best small forward in the draft.”

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