AFTER a protracted trade saga involving Dylan Shiel, Essendon will hope nabbing one of Greater Western Sydney's best players will see the Giants slide down the ladder in 2019.

The Bombers gave the Giants a future first-round draft pick as part of the deal to secure Shiel, one of 23 trades involving future draft selections made during the exchange period.

It puts pressure on Essendon to improve on its 11th-place finish from this year, but the fact it also received a future second-round pick back from GWS means the Bombers will also have reason to keep an eye on the Giants' fortunes and hope they go downhill next season.

Speaking after the trade period closed, Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro suggested the deal may still prove to be a shrewd one for the Bombers should the Giants falter.

"It depends if we finish high up the ladder next year," Dodoro said.

"We hope they don't do that great, because we've got their second-round pick back."

Brisbane will also be invested in the fortunes of itself and others next year, with the Lions involved in both of the other trades where future first-round picks were included.

They have Collingwood's first-round pick thanks to a deal that sent Dayne Beams to the Pies, while a pick swap with Gold Coast means the Suns have their 2019 first-round selection.

A total of 13 clubs hold future draft picks from rival sides next season.