Josh Green signs with Essendon as delisted free agent on a one-year deal for 2017 season

Green was cut by the Lions in October ahead of the AFL’s first list lodgement deadline, with the 81-game small forward hopeful he could find a new home.

The Bombers confirmed on Tuesday it had signed him to a one-year deal for the 2017 season.

Green twice finished as Brisbane’s leading goalkicker during his six season with the club but believes there’s more good football ahead of him.

“I’m really grateful for the chance to revitalise my career at Essendon this season,” Green said.

“I feel that my best football is still ahead of me and I can’t wait to get in and do the hard work over the summer.

“I’m excited to join such a dynamic and talented list, and working under the great leadership of John Worsfold. I’m excited about what we can achieve as a team in 2017 and hopefully I can be part of the club’s next chapter of success.”

Essendon had been in discussions with Green for some time, with coach John Worsfold last week revealing he had met with the ex-Brisbane goalsneak and delisted former Swan Xavier Richards.

Richards began training with Essendon on Monday in a bid to earn a spot on the list after being granted permission to train with the club by the AFL.

Green, 24, will add more depth to the Bombers’ forward line and likely partner emerging youngster Orazio Fantasia in a small forward role.

He played just 11 games this year in a season interrupted by injuries.

“The playing group is continuing to mature and driving each other to improve and maintain elite standards through hard work,” Worsfold said.

“We are all motivated by team success and building on our experiences from last season, which Josh will play an important role in.

“We will challenge Josh to work closely with Performance Coach, Hayden Skipworth, to ensure he reaches his potential through a tailored training program. Having overcome some serious injuries, we believe we can get the work into Josh that he requires to consistently play at his best.”

Green has played 81 games in six seasons and booted 107 goals since being drafted by the Lions with pick No.32 in the 2010 national draft.

He is Essendon’s third signing during the delisted free agency periods, with the Bombers officially welcoming 2016 top-up players James Kelly and Matt Dea to the club for 2017.

Crow-turned-Hawk Ricky Henderson and Docker-turned-Sun Michael Barlow are the only other two delisted free agents to find new homes ahead of the national and rookie drafts so far.