Dempsey free agent after Bombers delist

JORDAN GERRANS cials who landed in Darwin for the start of the Bombers annual pilgrimage to the Top End.

After 11 seasons and 133 games in the red and black, Dempsey was informed his contract would not be renewed.

If the Far North product looks to continue his AFL career, he has the chance to be selected by another club in the coming weeks.

Delisted players become free agents and can join new clubs during any of the three AFL delisted player free agency windows.

Once clubs have delisted a player, they will receive no compensation should that player be signed by a new club.

Delisted players can also nominate for the AFL preseason draft.

Bombers general manager of football Rob Kerr acknowledged the veteran for his outstanding service.

“Courtenay has made a significant contribution to the club both on and off the field during a career which spanned more than a decade at Essendon,” Kerr said.

“He played with flair and courage, was a role model to his young teammates and has worked hard to make a difference in the indigenous community.

“Courtenay should be extremely proud of what he has achieved at Essendon, and on behalf of everyone at the club, we wish Courtenay, his partner Danielle and children Chenae, Taitum and Mekhi every suc- cess for the future.” Dempsey was honoured with Essendon Football Club life membership last year.

He was back in the Far North recently and visited students at AFL Cape York House and spoke at the Crathern Medal and attended the AFL Cairns senior grand final.

Manunda Hawks coach Marc Harbrow has previously expressed interest in bringing Dempsey back to the Hawks if he was to return to Cairns permanently.