Essendon confirms midfielder’s surgical setback.

Dylan Shiel, an Essendon midfielder, had foot surgery, and the necessary recuperation period is expected to cause problems until the beginning of the next year.

Shiel struggled with foot problems the entire 2023 season, missing out on AFL action after Round 17. As a result, he only played in twelve games.

After receiving recent medical advice regarding the issue, Shiel will need foot surgery, which will affect the beginning of his preseason and perhaps the beginning of next year as well.

In a club report, Essendon football manager Dan McPherson stated, “Dylan’s foot hasn’t fully recovered post-season and his conservative rehab approach hasn’t provided pain relief for him.”

“After speaking with a surgeon in the

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Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel is reportedly still a chance of being dealt from the Bombers prior to Wednesday evening’s trade deadline.

The unlikeliness of a Shiel exchange rests on the fact that Essendon has numerous prioritised dealings to navigate in the lead-up to Wednesday night.

That business includes facilitating the departures of defenders Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Massimo D’Ambrosio to Port Adelaide and Hawthorn respectively, while bringing in Power wingman Xavier Duursma, who recently indicated his desire to be traded to the Hangar.

All this after the Bombers acquired free agents Ben McKay and Todd Goldstein from North Melbourne, and Jade Gresham from St Kilda.

The potential for Shiel to depart Tullamarine via trade before Wednesday’s deadline has been described as an “outside, low percentage chance”, according to AFL Media journalist Cal Twomey on Tuesday morning.

However, Twomey notes clubs haven’t ruled out the option, going on to claim his situation is ‘one to follow’ before Wednesday’s 7:30 PM (AEDT) trade window closure.

Clubs haven’t absolutely ruled Dylan Shiel out as a live trade option, albeit being seen as an outside, low percentage chance. Two years to run on his contract. Dons involved in Zerk-Thatcher, Duursma, D’Ambrosio deals and pick swaps, but Shiel also one to follow before deadline.

— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) October 16, 2023

Essendon acquired Shiel from the GWS Giants at the end of the 2018 season, with the speedy midfielder having played five seasons at Tullamarine since.

The 30-year-old managed an average of 18.7 disposals per game in 2023, representing the lowest season tally in his career.

Essendon are reportedly willing to keep wantaway defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher on their list if a deal with Port Adelaide for wingman Xavier Duursma fails to transpire.

Both clubs enter the final three days of the trade period with a deal yet to be settled following Zerk-Thatcher’s request to move back to his home state of South Australia at the expiry of his contract.

The Bombers have managed a successful off-season exchange window so far through the acquisitions of free agency trio Ben McKay, Todd Goldstein and Jade Gresham, with their plans to bring Duursma to Tullamarine the last remaining piece in their trade period puzzle.

Despite being contracted, Duursma has requested a move to the Bombers and would likely be involved in a deal that sees Zerk-Thatcher head the other way.

The second stage of haggling is likely to have the Power seeking further compensation on top of the addition of Zerk-Thatcher, given the Alberton club would be parting with a contracted and emerging former first-round selection in Duursma.

According to News Corp, Essendon is keen on a straight-player swap that hasn’t piqued the interest of Port Adelaide, with the Bombers now said to be threatening to make a move that might see them retain Zerk-Thatcher for 2024.

The Bombers were keen to re-sign Zerk-Thatcher earlier this year, with a three-year offer on the table for the former Sturt backman. The club’s acquisition of McKay has helped fill a void in Brad Scott’s defence that was likely to be opened up by the impending departure of Zerk-Thatcher.

The Pre-Season Draft looms, given Zerk-Thatcher’s off-contract status, however, other clubs could be ready to prepare bids for the key defender.

The firm stance from both clubs is likely to see a deal between the Power and Bombers, if it comes to fruition, take place on the final day of this year’s trade period.

Port Adelaide are needing to settle deals with three other clubs before Wednesday’s 7:30pm (AEDT) deadline, with the South Australian club looking to bring in Geelong’s Esava Ratugolea, Richmond’s Ivan Soldo and Western Bulldog Jordon Sweet.

Ratugolea looms as the club’s priority target, however Geelong are also standing its ground after knocking back Port Adelaide’s offer of Pick 25 for the forward-turned-defender.

Port Adelaide’s draft hand currently reads as Picks 25, 41, 49 and 76 for this year’s count as well as two 2024 second-round selections.