Key defender Ben McKay is officially an Essendon player after North Melbourne decided against matching a bid for the free agent.
The club is reported to have offered a deal of at least five years at about $800,000 per season for the 25-year-old.
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Based on the contract offer and McKay’s age, the AFL has decided on handing the Kangaroos pick No.3 as compensation.
McKay decided on joining Essendon, led by McKay’s former Kangaroos coach Brad Scott, after eight years at North Melbourne.
He will slot straight into their best side as a direct replacement for Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, who has requested a trade to Port Adelaide.
His presence will free up Jordan Ridley and Mason Redman to continue the work they continued this year as the Dons’ two intercepting and rebounding talls.
He will also team up with Todd Goldstein, who sealed his free agency move to Essendon on Monday.
And St Kilda free agent Jade Gresham and contracted Port Adelaide midfielder Xavier Duursma are also expected to join the Bombers.
McKay’s departure is set to see the Roos, who already boast pick No.2 and two late first-round picks in this year’s draft, add pick No.3 to their haul.
They have also been armed with two first-round selections in 2024 that they will likely trade.
More to come.
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