ESSENDON has completed a trade for Brisbane half-back Keidean Coleman.

Coleman, 26, has played just 15 AFL games across the past three years and requested a move to the Bombers, with a deal done in the final minutes on Deadline Day.

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Essendon has traded picks 21 and 27 to Brisbane for Coleman and pick 25.

The classy left-footer was due to become a free agent at the end of 2027, but has become a Bomber on a four-year deal.

Essendon officials met Coleman this week after telling the Lions he was keen to explore a move after a challenging few seasons with his body. 

A number of clubs had shown interest in Coleman, and he had been open to a number of possible landing spots including Collingwood, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs.

Coleman earned Norm Smith Medal votes in the Lions' 2023 Grand Final loss, before missing Brisbane's three-peat.

Essendon also secured Geelong midfielder Jack Bowes earlier in the trade period as it begins its new era under Mark McVeigh.

"Firstly, after meeting 'Kiddy' and his partner Rylie, they're fantastic people," Essendon general manager of list and recruiting Matt Rosa said.

"He's a damaging ball user off half-back. He's also shown the ability to play at half-forward as well, so he's got a bit of flexibility. But we believe the fans will love the way that he uses the footy and the way that he applies pressure as well, and he's got speed.

"We're excited to get him into the footy club. It was reasonably tense (towards the deadline) but we were well prepared. We were all aligned that we really wanted to get 'Kiddy' into the football club, and we thought we were able to work out a fair deal in the end.

"(The opportunity to represent Essendon) really excited 'Kiddy'. We do have a proud history of Indigenous players at the footy club, and we're really keen for that to continue.

"He's certainly an exciting player, we've seen what he can do on Grand Final day, and I think that really excited him playing in front of the big crowds – he really wants that opportunity."

Lions football boss Danny Daly said Coleman, who was a graduate of the club's Academy program, would be missed.

"Keidean has been part of our football club for a long time, having progressed through our academy before earning his opportunity at AFL level," Daly said.

"He has provided our members and supporters with some memorable moments, particularly during our 2023 finals campaign, and we thank him for the contribution he has made both on and off the field."