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Sport Nation
Essendon delist veteran duo
SEN • September 21st, 2025 6:52 pm
The Essendon Football Club has told Jayden Laverde and Todd Goldstein to look elsewhere for 2026 after not offering contracts to either player for next season.
It has been a tough year for the club, which has finished 15th after being plagued by injuries, forcing them to debut 15 players this season.
Laverde has spent his entire career with Essendon, having played 145 games over 11 seasons, while Goldstein signed with the club in 2024, joining his former coach at North Melbourne, Brad Scott, to play 30 games.
There is some reported interest in Laverde from the GWS Giants, who are looking at signing the defender, while for Goldstein, at 37 years of age, it is unclear whether there is any interest in his services as a ruckman.
In a club statement, the General Manager of AFL at Essendon, Daniel McPherson, was grateful for the service the two players provided.
"We're very grateful for both Jayden and Todd's contributions in their time at the football club," he said.
"These decisions are always really difficult, especially in the cases of two players who've been incredibly serviceable.
"Jayden's fight, leadership and courage down back were always highlights of his game and he was dependable whenever called upon.
"For Todd to come in and be as great a mentor as he has for our young players – and especially our rucks – in addition to contributing on-field speaks volumes of his impact.
"We wish both players and their families all the best for the next chapter in their careers."
