Essendon defender Jordan Ridley has requested a trade to the Brisbane Lions, despite his contract binding him to the Bombers until 2029.
The 26-year-old, frustrated by persistent injuries that limited his games in recent seasons, aims to join a contender like Brisbane, which reached the finals in 2025.
Essendon officials have rejected the move, creating tension ahead of the AFL trade period in October 2025, as fans debate the club’s injury management and trade value.
