Credit: Artists

Essendon ruckman Sam Draper will play for a new team next year after telling the Bombers on Tuesday morning that he would exercise his free agency rights to join another club.

Draper, who turns 27 this month, is choosing between Brisbane Lions and Adelaide , both of whom are preparing to play semi-finals this week.

The Lions are considered favourites to secure his signature, and are in great need for a ruck upgrade on Darcy Fort and an ailing Oscar McInerney, whereas the Crows re-signed Reilly O’Brien but wanted to pair him with Draper.

Sam Draper battles with Reilly O’Brien during his time on the ground. Credit: AFL Photos / Getty Images

Originally, the first pick in the rookie draft in 2016, Draper played 78 games for Essendon and developed a cult following fo

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