Essendon legend Dustin Fletcher says it "hurt" to see the Bombers cough up free-wheeling defender Adam Saad to Carlton.
The former Bomber and Sun was one of three Essendon guns the club lost during an abysmal 2020 trade period, with key forward Joe Daniher signing with Brisbane and goal-sneak Orazio Fantasia landing at Port Adelaide.
Fletcher said it pained him to see Saad's impressive 61-game career as a Bomber cut short.
"It was tough to lose Saad," Fletcher said on SEN Breakfast.
"When you lose a running half-back who's in your best three in your best and fairest the last three years – that one hurt me, especially going to Carlton."
Essendon's defence is now significantly weaker as not only did the Bombers lose Saad, but Conor McKenna to retirement, with the dashing half-back returning to Ireland.
The Bombers will take picks six, seven and eight into the AFL draft, set to be held on Wednesday, which is their best draft hand since at least 2016.
Since snapping up Andrew McGrath with pick one in the 2016 draft, Essendon's top selections have been 49 in 2017, 38 in 2018 and 30 in 2019.
Fletcher recounted Hawthorn's blockbuster 2004 draft to underline the importance of Essendon making the most of their three top-10 picks.
"Hawthorn had three top picks inside the top 10 which got them (Jarryd) Roughead, (Lance) Franklin and (Jordan) Lewis, so we need to land a couple of really good players with those picks, and hopefully they can help us in the future because it's been a bit of a tough run for the Bombers of late," Fletcher said.
"I think we need an inside midfielder or a bull of a mid, just to get the ball out to some of these running guys.
"I think that's an area that we need to improve our midfield."
Adelaide are expected to place a bid for Oakleigh Chargers key forward and Western Bulldogs academy prospect Jamarra Ugle-Hagan with pick one.
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