Essendon cuts five stars before club best and fairest

Essendon has announced five stars have been tapped on the shoulder as part of sweeping list changes confirmed on Sunday.

Shaun McKernan is looking for a gig.

Shaun McKernan is the biggest name casualty as Essendon announced five players have been delisted after a miserable 2020 campaign.

As the Bombers celebrated their annual best and fairest event on Sunday night, the club confirmed five more players won’t be returning in 2021 after the club gave them the tough news that they are no longer required.

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The five players join retirees Tom Bellchambers and Conor McKenna in leaving the club, giving Essendon seven spots on its 2021 roster to fill during the Trade Period and National Draft.

Bombers football boss Dan Richardson confirmed on Sunday McKernan, Mitch Hibberd, Josh Begley, Kobe Mutch and Noah Gown had all been delisted.

“This time of year is always difficult but decisions need to be made in the best interests of the football club moving forward, and as a result we were unable to offer Shaun, Mitch, Kobe, Josh and Noah contracts for the 2021 season,” Richardson said in a club statement.

Shaun McKernan is a free agent.

“We thank all five players for their contributions to the Essendon Football Club during their time with us and wish them the very best for their future endeavours.”

The Bombers head into the Trade Period at a crossroads with increasing public commentary casting doubt on the current playing group’s ability to end the club’s crushing 16-year wait to win a finals series game.

The Bombers are also reportedly fighting to hold onto stars Joe Daniher, Orazio Fantasia and Adam Saad.

Channel Nine reported on Sunday Cale Hooker and Michael Hurley are also not certain to be at Essendon in 2021, despite both players remaining contracted next year.

Saad is reported to have been offered a four-year deal by the Bombers. but the club’s on-field struggles this year have reportedly resulted in Saad getting cold feet on committing his future to Essendon.