ESSENDON would have been thrilled coming away from the AFL Trade Period by finishing with an additional Top 10 pick and a third top 30 selection in the deepest AFLW Draft to-date. The Bombers will add two top-end talents to its finals-quality list and four players who will provide serious depth to the team.

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2024 RECORD: 8th, 6-4-1, 104.7% | Eliminated: Elimination Final
2024 PICKS: 8, 11, 29, 35

LIST CHANGES:
IN: Courtney Murphy (GWS), Pick 8, Pick 35
OUT: Catherine Phillips (retired), Lily-Rose Williamson, Kodi Jaques, Jacqui Vogt (delisted), Ash Van Loon (Sydney), Amber Clarke (St Kilda), Pick 65

FIRST PICK:
Pick 8

Essendon can play a bit of risk analysis when it comes to the Bombers’ first pick, having to only wait for two more clubs before its second. The Bombers loved a bid for the men’s draft, so this could be the time that they throw one down on rival Carlton father-daughter prospect Sophie McKay. Though the Blues will match at record pace, it seems like a move the Bombers would do to ensure fair draft projection for the talented midfielder/forward.

However as far as their own selection goes, the Bombers are in the hitting zone of snatching a quality tall as well as a small to further grow their talented list. Vic Metro and AFLW Under 18s MVP Sierra Grieves is the perfect choice to support Madison Prespakis through the middle, with a contested appetite and high production value. Depending on the two clubs between the first and second the Bombers might opt for a tall such as athletic ruck-forward Elli Symonds, or South Australian pair Poppy Scholz or Charlotte Riggs.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 11, 29, 35

Keeping their original first round pick, the Bombers can grab a need and best available between the two selections, with one of the aforementioned names a great choice. However Oakleigh Chargers dual premiership player Sienna Tallariti seems a shrewd pick and she fits a need in the back half, with her intercepting work and natural leadership. She will force her way into any side pretty quickly and play a key role.

With four list spots available, the Bombers will wrap up their draft with another couple of picks close together at 29 and 35. With Amber Clarke departing the Bombers might look for another medium forward option, with Giants Academy’s Ashley Patton one who fits the bill. The Giants could well look to match that bid, so Eastern Ranges sharpshooter Georgia Knight looms as a fitting choice. If the Bombers opted with a forward earlier in the draft, then further inside depth such as Lily Paterson or Zoe Hargreaves – the latter of whom can play on all three lines – would be around the mark.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– How do the Bombers juggle their first two selections to get the best possible outcome?
– Do Essendon look to place some bids on opposition-tied players?
– Will the club look for more fire power or greater defensive depth with its midfield cover?