WITH the 2021 AFL Draft done and dusted, Rookie Me Central takes a look through each clubs’ hauls to assess the areas they bolstered and what each fresh face promises to bring to their new side. Next under the microscope is Essendon, who nabbed a surprise slider in round one and pulled a couple of its own surprises with later picks.

National Draft selections:

#13 Ben Hobbs (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
#46 Alastair Lord (Norwood/South Australia)
#50 Garrett McDonagh (Richmond VFL)

Rookie Draft selections:

#9 Patrick Voss (Oakleigh Chargers/Giants Academy)

After nabbing an absolute steal on night one, Bombers fans were understandably buoyed heading into night two with potential to snare another couple of mid-late draft bargains. Only time will tell whether that is the case, as the Bombers took on a promising run-and-gun South Australian, and a hidden mature-age talent out of the VFL.

Ben Hobbs was the first cab off the rank, an inside midfielder out of the GWV Rebels who, arguably, is a top five talent. The Bombers had him at number seven, and while he does not quite suit a specific need, was much too good to pass up at pick 13. Not many juniors are more competitive or capable on the inside as Hobbs, so he adds readymade depth to his new side’s engine room.

The Bombers entered night two at pick 46, selecting Norwood dasher Alastair Lord. Having missed a chunk of his top-age season due to injury, the exciting half-back returned in fine form at state Under 19 level to showcase his line-breaking speed and agility. He has played mostly in defence or on a wing, but could also serve as long-term pressure forward coverage.

Just a few selections later, and one of the feel-good stories of the draft was completed as lifelong Bombers fan, Garrett McDonagh got his chance at 25-years-old. The 2014 Northern Knights graduate earned VFL berths with the Northern Blues and Coburg before resorting back to local football and winning consecutive flags with West Preston, but returned to the state league with Richmond in 2021 and caught the Bombers’ eye.

Together with Lord, McDonagh adds valuable running power. With his tank up to the rigours of VFL football, he also offers a booming left-foot kick and great character. Rounding out the Bombers’ haul was Patrick Voss, pick nine in the rookie intake. The Giants Academy product was overlooked by his home club but has great versatility and physicality at 192cm, and has boarded at Wesley College in Melbourne.