Dons expected to offer Perkins a deal, Cox’s future may hinge on spots

Essendon are likely to offer a contract to 2020 top-10 draft choice Archie Perkins for next year, as the Bombers postpone making calls on some remaining out-of-contract players.

And the future of another 2020 top-10 pick, utility Nik Cox, could be influenced by the number of list vacancies at Essendon once details of the AFL’s draft assistance package are known.

Cox and Perkins, who were drafted at picks No.8 and No.9 in the 2020 draft, are among five players still out of contract after the Bombers announced they were cutting five players from their list.

In addition to Perkins and Cox, Jayden Nugyen, Tom Edwards and Kale Gerreyn are still without deals for 2027.

Industry sources, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Perkins was expected to be offered a contract, and that Cox’s position might hinge on the number of list spots that the Bombers have available in the coming weeks.

As it stands, Essendon has just three spots on the senior list, plus three rookie list positions, slated for 2027. But that number should increase if and when Zach Merrett and/or Jordan Ridley are traded – Merrett is expected to join Hawthorn on a four-year deal – and can swell further if the AFL grants the club extra senior or rookie list spots in the upcoming assistance package. North Melbourne is among the clubs chasing Ridley, who is contracted for a further three seasons.

The Dons are a chance to recruit Jack Bowes from Geelong and are interested in Brisbane Lion Sam Marshall, and clearly any seasoned players they acquire will reduce their list vacancies.

They have already cut five players from their 2026 list – 2022 pick No.5 Elijah Tsatas, Matt Guelfi, ex-Saint Jade Gresham, Saad El-Hawli and Liam McMahon.

The Bombers hold the prized pick No.1 in this year’s draft, but won’t be able to select either the standout prospect Dougie Cochrane, who is tied to Port Adelaide, nor Carlton father-son Cody Walker. However, the players they can consider for that pick, should they retain it, include midfielders Ethan Drever (GWV Rebels) and Heath Mellody (Claremont, WAFL), ruckman Harry Van Hattam (Northern Knights) and forwards Arki Butler and Gus Teixeira (both Sandringham Dragons).

Perkins has played 117 games since being drafted in 2020 at the COVID-era draft that has not given Essendon the boost that they had hoped for given that Cox has had injuries, concussions and struggled to establish both a position and regular senior berth, the talented Zach Reid has often been grounded with injuries (especially soft tissue) and Perkins has not progressed into a consistent performer.

Another person confirmed to be leaving the Bombers this year is Dean Solomon, who was the club’s interim coach this year, but has declared he will not return in any capacity next season after deciding to put his family before club.

The 2000 premiership player was offered roles for 2027 under new coach and former teammate Mark McVeigh, including director of coaching. But having lived almost a year away from his wife and children, who are in Kingscliff in northern NSW, Solomon said it was time to return home, where he has a health and wellbeing business.

“Being asked to coach a club I have a deep-seated connection with, even for a short time, is something I will always be proud of, and something I have loved,” said Solomon. “But my family is settled in northern New South Wales, and the past few months have shown me that it just not the right time to be away from my young family year-on-year. Their support of me and the club has been incredible, but it is time to go home.”

Solomon returned to Essendon in 2024 as a board member, before last October becoming an assistant coach under Brad Scott. When Scott was axed in May, Solomon became caretaker coach, winning one of 12 games.

He opted to not officially apply to replace Scott on a permanent basis, that position won by McVeigh ahead of James Hird, Jamie Graham and Murray Davis.

“I am proud of this playing group. The results have not reflected where we want to be, but I have seen these players grow every day, and our members have every reason to be excited about the development of this group ahead. They are made of the right stuff,” Solomon said.

Solomon, a tough defender, played 158 games for the Bombers, and 51 for Fremantle.

Bombers president Andrew Welsh said Solomon had put Essendon’s future first in his time as coach.

“‘Solly’ is an Essendon person first and foremost, and that has been obvious in every decision he has made since stepping into the senior coaching role,” Welsh said.

“Every one of those calls has been made with an eye on where this club is heading rather than on the week in front of him.”

Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.