Delisted Hawthorn forward Emerson Jeka has been announced as the third ex-AFL signing for Essendon's VFL squad for the 2024 season.
The addition of the 22-year-old sees the Bombers add to their recent signings of former Adelaide midfielder Jackson Hately and ex-West Coast onballer Xavier O'Neill.
A product out of Altona, Jeka played seven games at AFL level during his four-year stint with Hawthorn, making his debut in 2021 and playing four matches the following year before going unused in Sam Mitchell's side last season.
Jeka would play 33 games for Box Hill during his time in the brown and gold, booting 37 goals during a VFL career that saw him positioned at either end of the ground.
On Tuesday Essendon unveiled Jeka as their listest VFL recruit, with the 197cm swingman expressing his delight to join the Dons.
“I'm going to have the opportunity to play my best football at Essendon and I'm really excited to be a part of what they're bringing to the VFL program,” Jeka said in a club statement.
“I've been to the NEC Hangar a few times, so I feel pretty familiar with the place and I'm really excited to use the facilities at my disposal.
“The club wants to drive high standards and make everyone better, and I think that's going to allow me to get the best version of myself.”
Jeka's move to Tullamarine sees him reunite with former Hawks teammate Tom Phillips, who signed with the Bombers' reserves ahead of the 2023 season.
Essendon's VFL side will be led by coach Blake Caracella this year after the departure of Leigh Tudor.
The Bombers recorded five wins this year to finish 17th on the VFL ladder.