Fairfax Media understands that the Bombers have approached Coburg defender Hartley, who attended last year's Victorian state screening session prior to the AFL draft.

Hartley, 21, spent two seasons on the Magpies list before being let go at the end of 2013. At 198cm, Hartley struggled with injuries during his time at the Pies, but rebounded after being given an opportunity by the Peter German-coached Lions, starring in a key position post during Coburg's first year as a standalone side since their alignment with Richmond ended.

Essendon are able to use top-up players from across state leagues as top-ups for the pre-season series as 25 of their players from their 2012 list will not be playing.