Bombers load up with delisted free agents Kelly and Dea

JAMES Kelly, pictured, and Matthew Dea will extend their careers at Essendon this week when they are signed as delisted free agents.

The Geelong champion and Richmond reject cashed in on their opportunities as top-up players at Essendon this year with Kelly finishing runner-up in the best-and-fairest.

Dea, 25, blossomed as an attacking defender to save his AFL career and finish ninth in the club vote count.

The Bombers have moved on 12 players since collecting the wooden spoon and will regenerate with Greater Western Sydney forward James Stewart and three prized draft picks – one, 20, 29.

The Bombers are set to activate seven top-30 selections in two years in a talent influx.

It was revealed in May that Kelly, 32, was likely to play on if the Bombers regained their suspended superstars.

The club is bullish about him adding a lick of experience and class to their best 22.

Kelly was delisted by Geelong after 2015, but is now on track to play game No.300 in Round 7 next season.

The Dons are likely to use their No.1 draft pick on goalkicking midfielder Hugh McCluggage or blistering halfback Andy McGrath.

They could also bid on Giants’ academy star Will Setterfield, who belongs in the top bracket of prospects.

Delisted free agency opens on Tuesday.