Jayden Laverde

Recruited from the Western Jets with pick 20 in the 2014 National Draft, Jayden Laverde arrived at Essendon as a highly touted utility but endured a frustrating start to his career. His first half-decade at the level was marred by recurring injuries and an inability to settle into a permanent position, fluctuating between the forward line and the wing without cementing a spot in the best 22. It was not until his reinvention as a key defender in 2021 that he truly established himself, shedding his early reputation for fragility to become a courageous and physical backman who often played on opponents significantly taller and heavier than himself.

Laverde became a mainstay of the Bombers' back six during his latter years at the club, valued for his spoiling ability, intercept marking, and willingness to fly back with the flight of the ball. Despite his undersized stature for a key post, he regularly took the opposition's dangerous forwards, relying on athleticism and desperation to halve contests. After 11 seasons and 145 games in the red and black, he departed Essendon at the conclusion of the 2025 season, joining Greater Western Sydney to provide veteran leadership and structural depth to the Giants' defensive unit.