AFL trade news: Massimo D’Ambrosio requests move from Essendon to Hawthorn
A promising Bomber has requested a trade out of the club after being starved of opportunity at the back end of the 2023 season.
Essendon half back Massimo D’Ambrosio has requested a trade to Hawthorn after being starved of opportunities at Essendon in the second half of the season.
Left-footer D’Ambrosio played eight games for the season but was subbed out in round 9 after nine disposals.
The back half of the season was one of diminishing returns with D’Ambrosio playing 29 minutes, 22 minutes, 33 minutes and 16 minutes in his four games.
The 20-year-old kicked the winning goal against North Melbourne but was not guaranteed a significant role at the club next season.
He had not been guaranteed a contract as he waited to see how Essendon’s trade period played out, so jumping ship to Hawthorn is a smart play.
The former Richmond VFL player burst onto the scene with a series of slashing games before he was taken by Essendon in the 2022 mid-season draft.
Hawthorn was keen to secure Fremantle midfielder Liam Henry but he instead chose St Kilda.
So the Hawks will hope he is a low-cost, high-upside player who can help add run and quality field kicking to Sam Mitchell’s side.
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