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SELECT 👉 Hagley Oval commentaryBombers axe promising duo amid list squeeze
SEN • October 20th, 2025 5:01 pm
Essendon has made a further two list changes ahead of the AFL Draft, delisting a pair of first-team players.
Former first round pick Ben Hobbs has been let go by the club after 18 games across 2025.
The 22-year-old forward managed just five goals across a difficult season, averaging 15 disposals and four tackles per game. Hobbs, taken with the 13th overall pick in 2021, featured 65 times for the club across his four years.
20-year-old Luamon Lual has also been cut by the side despite a breakout season. Taken in the second round in 2023, Lual spent the entirety of 2024 developing in Essendon's VFL side, before earning his debut in Round 13 of this season.
Lual went on to play in all of the Bombers' remaining 11 games, averaging nine disposals and two tackles off the wing.
“We wish to thank Ben and Luamon for their service to Essendon and their professionalism and dedication throughout their careers. It goes without saying that it’s always difficult with list spots at this time of year, but they leave the club with our very best wishes,” GM Daniel McPherson said.
“We have five selections at next month’s AFL Draft, and the list squeeze means some challenging choices had to be made. Both Ben and Luamon have handled the news with maturity and we applaud them for that.
“We wish each of the lads all the best for the future.”
The Bombers have already cut Alwyn Davey Jnr, Todd Goldstein, Jayden Laverde, Jye Menzie, Dylan Shiel and Oskar Smartt, and will enter the National Draft with Picks 5, 6, 21, 27, and 30.
