Essendon utility Hayden Skipworth says injuries have forced him into early AFL retirement.

The 26-year-old played 11 matches this year, his only season with the Bombers.

He played 44 games in six seasons with Adelaide, before being cut by the Crows at the end of 2006, then earned a career lifeline with Essendon after impressing with their VFL affiliate Bendigo.

But hamstring and knee injuries this year have taken a toll.

"My body is struggling to cope with the AFL workload and I wasn't able to play the sort of footy I wanted to play, especially in the second half of the year," Skipworth said.

"... It's a great club and thanks to (coach) Matthew Knights and the recruitment people for giving me the opportunity.

"Even though it didn't last as long as I would have liked it was great to get back out there."

Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton said Skipworth had been a good mentor to the club's younger players.

The Bombers have also delisted John Williams, who played one senior game, and rookies Rhys Magin, Tom German, Bryce Carroll and Kade Klemke.

Already off the senior list are retired stars Matthew Lloyd and Scott Lucas, while Andrew Lovett and Jay Nash were traded away last week.

The Bombers traded in Hawthorn forward Mark Williams and will use four selections in November's national draft, all inside the first 33 picks.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP