Essendon's fight to retain its players continues to escalate, with Kyle Hardingham the latest to signal he wants to leave, in part because of the toll the current environment has taken on him.
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Hardingham's management had told coach James Hird soon after the season finished that he wanted out because of a lack of opportunity. He has managed just the eight games in each of the past two seasons.
However, it has emerged the dramas around the supplements program have taken its toll, as they have with teammates Jason Winderlich and Paddy Ryder who have sought a trade, citing the fall-out of the supplements program.
In a statement released to Fairfax Media on Wednesday morning, the management firm SMA Sports Agents representing Hardingham said: "Kyle Hardingham is seeking to be traded. He is keen to explore greater opportunities and has advised James Hird and the club's management of this. Kyle is looking for stability. The issues surrounding the club at the moment have worn him down."
Hardingham is off contract this season, having signed only a one-year deal last year.
It's understood Hardingham is one of the 34 players issued with an initial show-cause letter by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority. The anti-doping body is set to re-issue the show-cause notices, alleging the use of the banned supplement Thymosin beta 4, as early as this weekend.
The versatile Hardingham played 22 matches in 2011 and 21 a year later but has struggled for opportunities in the past two seasons. He was voted best team player last year.
It's understood the Bombers have not yet offered him a new contract, and were considering delisting him. If he is not traded, he is likely to nominate for the national draft.
Hardingham joins a growing list of players seeking to leave the Bombers. Ryder, who wants to head to Port Adelaide and is only two years into a four-year deal with the Bombers, has said the supplements scandal has taken a great emotional toll on him and his family.
The Power have begun investigating how Ryder could join the club through a hearing before the AFL grievance tribunal, where he would argue the Bombers were negligent in their duty of care through a 2012 supplements program which has resulted in about 20 current players receiving show-cause notices. If Ryder was successful in arguing his case, the Bombers could technically receive nothing in return.
Hird has said the Bombers would only let Ryder go should a "good" trade be offered.
Speedy forward Jason Winderlich has also requested a trade, citing a need for a fresh start as a result of the fall-out of the supplements program.
Midfielder Elliott Kavanagh has also requested a trade, having struggled for a regular senior game.
Ben Howlett is also weighing up his future with the club. His management has said he would prefer to play under Hird, who is fighting to retain his hold on the top job.
