WITH season proper and trade period done and dusted, AFL fans and staff alike now turn their attention towards the draft (November 28-30). The chaos has settled on player and pick swaps, and budding prospects have completed their combines, leaving a nervous wait until they learn their fate.

In the next of our club by club previews, we take a look at Essendon’s draft hand and offer insight into how the Bombers may utilise the picks at their possession. With pick four and a couple of father-sons on their way in, it looms as a busy few days for the Dons.

2022 FINISH: 15th

CURRENT PICKS: 4, 22, 54, 61, 66

FUTURE PICKS: ESS R1, ESS R2, ESS R3, SYD R4

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Alwyn Davey Jr, Jayden Davey, Anthony Munkara

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:

It seems Essendon is into a range of powerful, dynamic midfielders with regards to pick four, hoping to add a point of difference to its current on-ball brigade. Pending what North Melbourne does with picks two and three, the Bombers could have a tough decision to make if George Wardlaw or Harry Sheezel are still on the board.

The more likely scenario is they aren’t, and that Elijah Tsatas is. The Oakleigh Chargers speedster is a good size and can play both sides of midfield, but recent chatter suggests the Bombers could lock in South Australian Mattaes Phillipou. At 190cm, his athleticism and ability to shift forward loom as promising assets in the top 10.

Elsewhere, Bailey Humphrey and Reuben Ginbey are players in high demand around the Bombers’ hitting zone and certainly has the traits the club is likely after. West Australian powerhouse Elijah Hewett has also garnered interest but will likely land later in the first round, so could be a target should the Bombers trade down the order.

REMAINING CROP:

The fate of the Bombers’ remaining crop largely revolves around where bids for the Davey twins, and Anthony Munkara are placed. Both Sydney-based clubs could be in for Alwyn before Essendon’s second-rounder, which would be the worst-case scenario.

Should the Dons squeeze in a pick before that, they may look towards a bid on Giants Academy talent Harry Rowston, or perhaps more smalls like Olli Hotton and Jacob Konstanty. Given they are guaranteed to cover midfield and small forward needs already, it could be a case of taking the best available talent.

Down the order, with one third round pick and two in the fourth, Essendon will have to utilise its last selection to take Jayden Davey. That makes for a likely haul of four players, and the Bombers will hope Munkara squeezes out of the top 40.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will Essendon spring a surprise with pick four?
– Will Essendon use pick four to move down the order?
– Will the Alwyn Davey Jr bid come before pick 22?
– Will a bid for Anthony Munkara come within the top 40?