AMONG an indicative draft order resembling Noah’s Ark, Essendon possesses two early selections which will go a long way to shaping the remainder of the first round. The Bombers then lay claim to a pair of Next Generation Academy (NGA) members who may well attract bids within the top 30.

>> 100+ PROFILES: View the 2025 AFL Draft Guide

2025 RECORD: 15th | 6-17 | 69.5%
2025 PICKS: 5, 6, 21, 27, 30
FUTURE PICKS: ’26 R1, ’26 R2, ’26 R4 | ’27 R1, ’27 R2, ’27 R3, ’27 R4
ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Hussien El Achkar, Adam Sweid (both NGA)

FIRST PICK(S):
Picks 5 & 6

Following West Coast and Richmond in wielding consecutive top-10 picks, the Bombers are to an extent at the mercy of what’s left for them at the top end of the draft. We’ve grouped the selections – currently five and six – together given the combination could take up a range of different looks.

Essendon has fielded a potential move up the board to both the Eagles and Tigers, with murmurings suggesting Cooper Duff-Tytler would be a key target. The Calder Cannons ruck-forward is a teammate of likely NGA promotees Hussien El Achkar and Adam Sweid, and would make for a well-connected trio.

Though, with that move appearing more likely than not to be shut down, perhaps Aidan Schubert is a chance to be swooped on with one of these picks. Given they will be pushed towards the back-end of the top 10, it’s the right hitting zone for the South Australian key forward, who competes hard in the air.

Further to that, Schubert is the Central District teammate of Larke Medallist and SA captain Dyson Sharp, who has widely been linked to the Bombers. He’s an Essendon supporter and suits what the club needs in midfield, being a bigger-bodied extractor who can also go forward for marks and goals.

If not Sharp or Schubert, then Essendon is crying out for a power player like Sam Cumming. His fast feet and aerial nous are complimented by an outstanding work ethic, making him a dangerous player both around the contest and forward of centre. Either way, there is plenty of South Australian talent in the mix.

Of course, pending Richmond’s selections, one of Sullivan Robey or Xavier Taylor could be up for grabs. The former is a massive bolter who, at 192cm, is a physical beast. He or Taylor could fulfil long-term midfield needs, though the latter is primarily a tall defender who can intercept and hurt on the rebound.

Similarly, West Australian Jacob Farrow is a chance to feature in Essendon’s haul. The smooth moving rebounder draws comparisons to Adelaide skipper Jordan Dawson and has potential to be unlocked in midfield. The other scenario to consider with Essendon’s picks is a bid on Carlton father-son nominee Harry Dean, who could well have his name called out even earlier on night one.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 21, 27, 30

Essendon is poised to make five selections at the draft, with two of them coming within the top 10, and another two likely to be NGA graduates. Namely, nuggety midfielder Sweid and lively goalsneak El Achkar are both viewed by clubs as top-30 prospects, but may ended up attracting bids in the 25-40 range.

Sweid will likely be the first to go, with his good mate and fellow Calder product to follow. That leaves one more spot for the Bombers to fill, and how they go about it somewhat depends on where those bids come in. Though, there is the option for them to be proactive and move up the board via live trading.

Gold Coast is a potential target for negotiation on night one, with pick 18 seemingly up for grabs. Another selection in the teens would allow Essendon to extract full value from a draft otherwise lacking in depth. Perhaps rebound power or even more forward nous will be in consideration with their fifth selection.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– What combination will Essendon go with for its first two picks?
– When will the bids come for Sweid and El Achkar?
– Which other piece will fit into the Bombers’ five top-30 selections?