Overview

• Sam Draper is weighing offers from Adelaide and Brisbane as an unrestricted free agent.
• Brad Scott says Essendon intends to pair Draper with Nick Bryan when fit after strong early-season form together.
• The AFL is moving toward scrapping the substitute rule for a five-player bench, which Scott argues supports retaining two specialist rucks.
• Essendon has not imposed a deadline on Draper and the club says his choice will be a personal career decision.
• Draper (Achilles) and Bryan (knee) have missed most of the season, while Zach Merrett is set for his 250th game against Carlton as the Bombers chase an end to an 11-game losing streak.