Essendon Football Club recently took a bold step in its roster. As such, they have appropriately delisted veteran defender Jayden Laverde. Laverde has been a valuable partner for the club and he was drafted with pick No. 20 in the 2014 National Draft. For the moment, he remains one of Essendon’s longest-tenured active players. At 29 years old, he leaves behind a legacy of 145 games played, showcasing his commitment and skill over nearly a decade.
The move to release Laverde should be seen as a part of the club’s overall plan heading into the 2026 season. Essendon’s head of footy, Daniel McPherson, expressed gratitude for Laverde’s significant contributions over his time at the club. The one-time tackle started making a key switch to a defensive role in 2021. This strategic shift created an opportunity for him to prove his leadership and grit through gameplay.
“Jayden’s fight, leadership and courage down back were always highlights of his game and he was dependable whenever called upon,” McPherson stated, reflecting on Laverde’s impact on the team.
Greater Western Sydney (GWS) has already indicated they will bid for Laverde. That’s a clear indication that he is looking to further his playing career with another team. The player himself has repeatedly indicated that he has no interest in pursuing anything further with Essendon. This follows the news that the club had chosen not to renew his playing contract for next season.
Essendon has formally announced the delisting of Todd Goldstein. Together with Laverde, he has been a constant behind-the-scenes player for the club. Both players have made it clear they want to keep playing, and McPherson thanked them for what they provided.
“We’re very grateful for both Jayden and Todd’s contributions in their time at the Football Club,” he remarked.
As Essendon progresses into this new era, they no doubt want to remake their roster, but do not forget the foundation established by veterans such as Laverde. The club hopes to attract new talent while nurturing its younger players in preparation for future competitions.
