The AFL Commission has approved an assistance package to be provided to the Essendon Football Club.

Essendon will receive:

• Two additional AFL Rookie List spots (Category A) for the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

AFL Executive General Manager Football Performance Greg Swann said the special assistance package was aimed at helping Essendon improve its on-field performance.

"It is important that we strive to maintain a competitively balanced competition so that fans feel their team can win on any given day," Swann said.

"We have been working with Essendon to identify areas where targeted assistance can support its on-field improvement to return to being competitive.

"The addition of two Rookie List positions will provide Essendon with greater flexibility to invest in additional talent."

The additional Rookie List spots are to be funded by Essendon.

While this package provides support for 2027 only, the AFL reserves the right to recommend additional AFL Rookie List spots to Essendon for 2028 and 2029.