ESSENDON made a half-dozen selections at this year’s AFL Draft, featuring with a matched bid in the first round before getting busy on night two. The Bombers trusted the depth of this year’s crop and have stocked up across the ground in what was Matt Rosa‘s first intake as talent and operations manager.

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DRAFT HAUL

National Draft:

13. Isaac Kako (NGA, matched Richmond’s bid)
37. Kayle Gerreyn
39. Angus Clarke
61. Rhys Unwin
70. Zak Johnson

Rookie Draft:

6. Archer Day-Wicks
Cat B. Jayden Nguyen

Essendon traded out its first round pick (nine) pre-draft in anticipation of early interest for Next Generation Academy graduate Isaac Kako. The bid ended up falling at pick 13, making the move somewhat redundant, though the Bombers were pleased with the result.

Kako is exactly the type of player the Bombers have been crying out for. As a genuine crumbing forward, his pace and goal sense will be valuable addition’s to Essendon’s front half. He is a Bombers man through-and-through, which will only further endear him to the club’s faithful fans.

Tall forward support was next on the agenda and that meant Kayle Gerreyn was a good fit at pick 37. Boasting equal parts agility and physicality, the West Perth prospect has terrific foot skills and can chop out in the ruck. He gained senior exposure with the Falcons, but can improve his fitness base.

The Bombers were on the clock again shortly after and selected South Australian Angus Clarke with pick 39. Drawing comparisons to Millicent native Mason Redman, the Mt Gambier product is a dashing rebounder with gutsy aerial ability and good fundamentals. He took out the Bombers’ 2km time trial.

Pick 61 was the Bombers’ next opportunity to strike, selecting zippy small forward Rhys Unwin. Part of Greater Western Victoria’s first Grand Final run in 27 years, Unwin’s speed and agility are among his best traits, along with terrific goal sense and x-factor. He also chimed in as a midfielder late in the season.

Zak Johnson (pick 70) was the second-last name called out on night two. The Northern Knights utility joins fellow Old Paradians Kako and Nate Caddy in red and black after a best afield performance in the school’s second consecutive Herald Sun Shield title.

Johnson’s speed and footy IQ are terrific, applicable to his work in midfield or off half-back. He can even hit the scoreboard as a capable forward. Speaking of, Archer Day-Wicks was Essendon’s sole selection in the Rookie Draft, adding pizzaz and aerial ability to the front half.

NGA graduate Jayden Nguyen was also pre-listed as a Category B rookie after getting through the National Draft. A small utility who blitzed the state draft combine, Nguyen will likely be developed as a defender where his daring rebound ability shines, though he can play in any third of the ground.

Essendon continued to fill out its depth with an early supplemental selection period signing in discarded Lion Jaxon Prior, a 23-year-old defender. Bombers fans and recruiters alike can look forward to utilising Melbourne’s first round pick next year, and St Kilda’s second-rounder.