FORMER top-10 pick Nik Cox is among a trio of players delisted by Essendon.
Cox, Tom Edwards and Kayle Gerreyn have been removed from the Bombers' playing list, although the club will remain open to potential train-on opportunities for the trio.
WHO'S CALLED IT QUITS 2026's retirements and delistings
The No.8 pick in the 2020 draft, Cox played 61 games for the Bombers, including eight this year.
Cox, 24, fought back from a two-year struggle with persistent concussion symptoms.
A pre-season supplemental selection period signing in 2025, Edwards played nine AFL games for Essendon, while Gerreyn – the No.37 pick in the 2024 draft – was untried at the top level.
"We've had conversations with all three boys and made them aware of the direction we're taking with our list," Essendon general manager of list and recruiting Matt Rosa said.
"These decisions are never easy, and we're thankful for everything Nik, Tom and Kayle have contributed to the club during their time at Essendon. They've handled tough news with class and maturity as expected.
"Coxy's troubles with concussion in recent seasons were well documented but he always maintained a really positive outlook on his footy, and we were rapt he was able to get back on the park this year and show some good form up forward in the VFL.
"'Shifty' and Kayle were unlucky with their setbacks at different stages this year. It was great for Tom to work his way back from an ACL injury and get more senior footy under his belt in 2026.
"While Kayle didn't debut for the club, he took a lot out of his two seasons at the elite level.
"With that, we've made it clear that we're not closing any doors on these boys. There may still be opportunities for them to train on with us over the summer, depending on the future shape of our list and how our drafting plays out.
"We have an exciting draft hand, including picks No.1, 17, and 25, and it's important that we maintain the flexibility to make the most of those opportunities and address our list needs across the draft."
