Essendon remain at long odds to keep forward Bachar Houli, even though there was no AFL trade with Richmond.

The Tigers are confident they will secure the 22-year-old through either the national or pre-season drafts.

Houli played only five senior games this season and is determined to leave the Bombers, despite James Hird taking over as coach.

"He's a required player so hopefully we'll have a chat to him, but he's got his heart set on getting to Richmond," said Essendon recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro.

"Richmond have got the whip hand at the moment with the pre-season (draft) so we had our hands pretty much tied.

"He's indicated he wants to play for Richmond next year and it looks like they've got the next live pick in the pre-season (draft) so it's a good opportunity for him to get there.

"They offered us selection 46 and because our last selection is 47, it's only a change of one pick in the draft so it was of no benefit to us at all."

The Bombers wanted a second-round pick from Richmond for Houli and they would also have given a third-round selection.

"But that's fair enough, that's trade week," Dodoro said.

Tigers football manager Craig Cameron said they might not have to wait until the pre-season draft to secure Houli.

"Essendon wouldn't accept our deal and we thought what they asked for was a little bit over the top so we ended up in a stalemate," Cameron said.

"We've an option for both (pre-season and national drafts).

"He's disappointed it didn't happen today but he's confident (it will happen)."

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