Essendon are a fascinating watch ahead of November's AFL Draft, having moved out of the first round and placing a focus on attaining the needed draft points during the trade period.
An NGA prospect is central to the Bombers' draft plans, but the club - now led by list manager Matt Rosa - could move back into the early stages of the draft via live trading.
Overall, the club is looking at three or four additions through the draft following an off-season window that has seen them part with nine players already and gain none.
With certain list needs in mind and multiple early picks for next year's intake, the Bombers will be an intriguing player come the 2024 AFL Draft.
Draft Hand
Picks: 28, 31, 40, 46, 53, 54, 65
A trade with Melbourne flipped Essendon's draft hand on its head, with the club moving on Pick 8 to acquire the needed draft points given ties to NGA talent Isaac Kako. The state of play sees the Bombers with more than points to match an early bid for Kako and also leaves them with selections to fill close to four list spots by the end of the count.
What could occur is a trade back into the first round of the draft following a bid for Kako 0- should it come early enough - or an immediate move to the front of the queue to swoop on a teenager they like. With two first-round picks at their disposal from their 2025 hand, expect Essendon to weigh up when the best time to jump back into this year's order.
List Needs
Small Forward Threats:Â The small forward area has long been an area of concern for the Bombers, with Jye Menzie's 23 goals last year the best among any ground-level threat at Essendon since the 2021 season. They'll be able to address this need thanks to Kako, while the club will hope to get more out of Menzie, Jade Gresham and Matt Guelfi from 2025 onwards.
Outside Run:Â The Bombers flagged during the player movement window that they would like some more run on the outskirts of their engine room to complement their strong inside unit, perhaps foreshadowing a move into the middle for half-back/wingman Nic Martin. Nevertheless, expect Essendon to look toward this year's crop of wide options, with several teenagers likely in the club's sights.
Defensive Depth:Â The Bombers' backline has underdone mass change this off-season, with Dyson Heppell, Jake Kelly, Kaine Baldwin, Nick Hind and Sam Weideman all departing the club. The club found a new rebounding starter in Archie Roberts late into the 2024 campaign, while Saad El-Hawli is another to watch next year, but overall, the Bombers will need to strengthen their rearguard with emerging depth options who can suit a multitude of roles for the long haul.
Potential Targets
Isaac Kako:Â A name many Essendon fans will be familiar with less than a month out from the draft. Kako, an NGA talent tied to the Bombers, is expected to land at Essendon in the first round, with a rival bid likely coming at the midway mark of opening night. The Calder Cannons livewire suits an immediate list void at Tullamarine, with Kako able to bring excitement, zip and forward craft as a ground-level attacking threat who could slot straight into the senior side next year.
Jack Ough:Â Ough has proven to be quite the versatile prospect at 194cm tall, able to play out of defence, on the wing or through the middle. The hard-running utility had a strong end to the year with Talent League grand finalists, the GWV Rebels, averaging 25.5 disposals, 4.75 tackles and 4.0 marks across his four finals matches. His endurance and cleanliness could excite Bombers scouts, with Ough perhaps a fitting option to offer some outside hustle and run.
Angus Clarke:Â A purer defensive running option over Ough, with Clarke among South Australia's best as a damaging two-way defender. The Glenelg talent averaged 17.0 disposals, 2.0 intercept marks, 5.8 intercept possessions, 5.3 rebound 50s and 2.3 spoils per game across his U18s carnival for SA, with the 189cm backman equally damaging as an interceptor behind the ball as he is with his run and ball movement out of the back-arc.
