{"id":147155,"date":"2023-11-25T14:11:03","date_gmt":"2023-11-25T04:11:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=147155"},"modified":"2023-11-25T14:11:04","modified_gmt":"2023-11-25T04:11:04","slug":"2023-afl-draft-review-essendon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2023\/11\/25\/2023-afl-draft-review-essendon\/","title":{"rendered":"2023 AFL Draft Review: Essendon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ESSENDON had a clear target on night one of the 2023 AFL Draft and despite some nervous moments, landed the desired prospect. The need for speed, outside run and class was addressed on night two, before also snaring a handy key position player in the rookie intake. We recap the Bombers’ haul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> UPDATED:<\/strong> Every Pick in the 2023 AFL Draft<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NATIONAL DRAFT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Nate Caddy<\/a>
39. Luamon Lual<\/a>
54. Archie Roberts<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ROOKIE DRAFT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Vigo Visentini<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> ANALYSIS:<\/strong> Big winners, bolters & sliders<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Behind the scenes access provided great insight into the drama of draft night, with Essendon’s pursuit of Nate Caddy<\/a> going from looking good, to out the window, to back on and secured. After Adelaide traded up to nab Dan Curtin<\/strong>, it was up to the Bombers to make their move ahead of Geelong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Move they did, swapping selections with the Cats and coughing up pick 31 to ensure Caddy landed at The Hangar. It meant that with a key forward through the door, Essendon could then move to select the best available players on night two, who just so happened to match list needs too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bombers see Caddy as a Jake Stringer<\/strong>-type player who offers power and scoring avenues up forward, but can also pinch-hit through midfield. The reality of his junior career is he never really played on-ball until this year, and projects more as a second or third tall forward who thrives as a marking target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though, having enhanced his running capacity and started most games with the Northern Knights at centre bounces, perhaps that kind of role will begin to suit the 193cm phenom over time. There is no real limit on his upside as such a gifted athlete and game-winning footballer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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