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by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

By mid-February, Essendon had signed five former AFL players - Clinton Jones, James Magner, Mitch Clisby, Mitch Brown and Jared Petrenko - to fill out their list. Several see as it chance to relaunch their League careers. Ex-Bombers Kepler Bradley (who finished at Fremantle last year) and Cory Dell'Olio will also be sitting out the preseason as the pair were with Essendon in 2012. Bradley re-joined his original club West Perth in 2014 but has recently crossed over to Claremont. Dell'Olio joined South Fremantle after two seasons and 16 games with the Bombers. Two others whose seasons are in doubt are Peel Thunder's Leroy Jetta (93 games 2007-2014) and East Perth's co-captain Brendon Lee who joined the club as a rookie in 2011 but played just two games in 2012 before being delisted.

According to SEN's WA correspondent Tim Gossage, it was highly doubtful that any WA players would be interested in joining Essendon as it would require them to leave jobs they might have to travel across the country for temporary playing opportunities. It is unknown at this time if any or all of the above ex-Bombers were issued infraction notices.

Clinton Jones, 31, played 149 games with the Saints 2007-2014 and was a key to their midfield structure. Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro said Jones has a wealth of AFL experience and has the ability to shut down some of the best opposition players and would bring "some high standards to the training track." Jones joined VFL club Sandringham after being delisted by the Saints at the end of last year.

James Magner, 25, played 19 games for Melbourne 2012-13. Magner, despite limited opportunities, impressed many, including former coaches Mark Neeld and Neil Craig, as a prolific ball winner. Dodoro has the same opinion of him and Magner hopes to get another permanent chance at AFL level. He joined Port Melbourne after being delisted.

Magner's former teammate Mitch Clisby, also 25, also came to the Demons as a rookie and debuted in 2013 but managed only eight games before being delisted at the end of 2014. He also impressed Neeld and Craig as a strong running midfielder who uses the ball well and was recommended to Dodoro by the former Melbourne coaches. Clisby has been playing with North Adelaide in the SANFL.

Mitch Brown spent six seasons with Geelong but could not establish himself as a regular team member. He played only 15 games 2009-14 and joined Sandringham after leaving the Cats. Brown is a key position player who can play forward or defense. Brown is another who wants another crack at AFL level.

Petrenko, 25, played 76 games and kicked 50 goals for Adelaide 2009-2014 and is a versatile forward who can push into the midfield. Dodoro said of him, "Jared is another player that is very unlucky not to be on an AFL list. He is still young enough ... has speed, played very well at senior level and is hungry. He is an exciting AFL player".

Source: afl.com.au, essendonfc.com.au, The West Australian, AFL Record Season Guides

Article last changed on Sunday, March 01, 2015 - 5:04 AM EST


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