A DEADLINE day trade saw Essendon snatch a top 10 pick and further add to its midfield depth, with a mix of strength, and then later on speed and size with the Bombers’ final three selections. They also looked outside Victoria later on with a West Australian and Tasmanian joining the ranks.

>> EVERY PICK: National Draft | Recap

DRAFT HAUL

National Draft:

9. Grace Belloni
12. Holly Ridewood
30. Taya Chambers
35. Sophie Strong

Essendon added some height, strength and versatility through the midfield with its first two selections in the AFLW Draft, picking up Vic Metro teammates, Grace Belloni and Holly Ridewood. Belloni played full-time midfield for Eastern Ranges this year, then went forward for Vic Metro and starred, possessing some of the best hands in the business. Ridewood on the other hand started as a wing, then went inside, and even played off both sets of flanks, showing ultimate versatility.

The pair will provide some important size and work rate for the red and black, while securing an ultra-athletic tall defender. West Australian Taya Chambers clocked a 3.2-second 20m sprint, which for a 175cm prospect is elite. She competes in the air, is efficient with her ball use and can play up on a wing if required. One who has the capacity to matchup on talls and smalls, which will be a huge bonus for Natalie Wood‘s side.

Essendon took a low-risk, high-reward pick with number 35, bringing in Tasmanian Sophie Strong. Injuries wrecked Strong’s top-age season, but the young gun showed enough in her one full game to suggest she has a lot more to offer at the top level. The sole prospect taken from the Apple Isle, Strong is an explosive midfielder who uses the ball well forward of centre and can play off half-forward to hit the scoreboard as well.

Bombers fans can expect their first three selections to push for a chance early in the season, with Belloni and Chambers in particular ready to go. Belloni has the size and strength to compete against senior players, while Chambers has long been taking on experienced opponents through the WAFL Women’s competition.

Ridewood is in a similar boat with her tenaciousness, but it will be fascinating to see where the Bombers slot her in given the Northern Knights skipper’s versatility. For Strong, it will be a case of ticking every box along the way to make sure she is 100 per cent, because she a top 30 prospect easily on talent, and it will be about gaining that continuity.