Ben Hobbs, the highly-touted first-round draft pick for Essendon, might find himself on the trade block by the end of this AFL season, according to AFL.com.au’s trade and draft expert, Cal Twomey. Hobbs, who was selected with the 13th pick in the 2021 national draft, has recently been recalled to the senior team after a lengthy absence, marking his first appearance in the senior side since May. Despite his significant potential and past promise, Hobbs’ 2024 campaign has been marred by limited opportunities, with only nine senior appearances to his name.
The 20-year-old has shown commendable form in the VFL, yet he has struggled to secure a regular spot in Brad Scott’s senior lineup. The midfield positions at Essendon are highly competitive, with players such as Sam Durham, Jye Caldwell, and Dylan Shiel currently ahead of him in the selection hierarchy. This intense competition has made it difficult for Hobbs to cement his place, further complicating his future with the Bombers.
Twomey has highlighted that the increasing congestion in Essendon’s midfield might prompt rival clubs to target Hobbs in the upcoming trade period. Even though Hobbs is contracted to Essendon until the end of the 2025 season, interest from other clubs could be strong. On his show Gettable, Twomey discussed how Hobbs’ limited senior game time might make him an attractive option for other teams looking to strengthen their midfield depth.
Twomey emphasized that rival clubs have been monitoring Hobbs’ performances in the VFL and might be prepared to make a move for him. “Given his current situation, if a club comes to Essendon with a solid offer for Hobbs, it might be in his and the club’s best interests to consider the move,” Twomey suggested. He noted that Hobbs’ inability to secure a regular senior spot, coupled with the fact that midfielders like Caldwell and Durham have been performing well, could make Hobbs a viable trade option.
In addition to Hobbs, Twomey has also indicated that other Essendon players such as Dylan Shiel and former No.5 pick Elijah Tsatas could be on the trade radar. Tsatas, who has also struggled with injury issues and limited senior opportunities this year, could be another player that clubs assess for potential acquisition. Twomey mentioned that Tsatas, like Hobbs, is an inside midfielder and a clearance specialist who might be seen as a valuable asset by other teams.
The emergence of Jye Caldwell and Sam Durham has further complicated Hobbs’ path to a regular spot. Caldwell, in particular, has been one of Essendon’s standout performers this season and is set to become a free agent at the end of the year. Twomey predicts that a long-term contract extension for Caldwell is imminent, further intensifying the competition for midfield spots.
As the trade period approaches, Hobbs’ situation will be one to watch. While his potential is undeniable, the current state of Essendon’s midfield and the interest from rival clubs could lead to significant discussions about his future. The outcome of these discussions will depend on various factors, including the offers received and the strategic goals of the Bombers.
In summary, Ben Hobbs’ future at Essendon appears uncertain as the end of the season nears. With the midfield lineup being so competitive and other clubs expressing interest, Hobbs could find himself exploring new opportunities elsewhere. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether he remains with Essendon or transitions to a new team where he might have a clearer path to regular senior football.
