Sport
30 August, 2024
Hind delisted by Essendon
Essendon speedster Nick Hind has not been offered a contract for the 2025 season, leaving his AFL career in limbo.
The Bombers announced that the Clunes product, alongside Tex Wanganeen and Kaine Baldwin, were delisted on Tuesday, following a promising season which had seen them sit as high as third in round 16, before losses in seven of their final nine games of the season saw them drop to 11th by the end of the season.
Hind, who was traded by St Kilda after 21 games with the club in 2020, played 74 games for the Bombers, which included 15 in 2024.
Often starting as the substitute, in the role six times throughout the season — ranked number one at the club, Hind still had a discernible impact, averaging 11.6 touches per game playing more of a defensive forward role, while kicking six goals.
That included a patch in the middle of the season which saw him collect 20 disposals and a goal against Greater Western Sydney, 25 disposals and two goals in their Dreamtime match win against Richmond at the MCG, and 24 disposals and a goal against Gold Coast the very next week.
Hind’s final match was a loss to Melbourne in round 19.
General Manager of AFL for Essendon, Daniel McPherson, told essendonfc.com.au about Hind’s impact alongside Baldwin and Wanganeen.
“Nick, Tex and Kaine have all been popular members of our footy club who showed resilience and determination to get the most out of their footy careers during their time with us,” McPherson told essendonfc.com.au.
“We thank them for their contribution to the red and black and they leave knowing they will always be a part of the Essendon footy club. We wish each of them all the best for the next stage of their careers both on and off the field.”
The future of Hind’s Maryborough-based teammate, Jake Stringer, also remains in limbo at the Bombers.
It is understood that Stringer has activated a games-based clause in his contract which means he can stay at Essendon next season, but the Bombers will be set to make the call whether he stays or moves to a third club.
Stringer kicked 42 goals in the 2024 season, his best return for the club since his move in the 2017 trade period from the Western Bulldogs, while also averaging 12.6 disposals per game.