Young talent time after Bombers secure ex-crow defender
ESSENDON intends to focus on its “draft hand” to add to its young talent rather than make waves in the rest of the trade period.
After securing Adelaide defender Jake Kelly at the start of the free agency period, Bombers general manager of football Josh Mahoney suggested the club would not be a big player in the rest of the trade period.
The Bombers had three top-10 picks in last year’s national draft and hope to add to their young talent.
As it stands, they have picks 11, 51, 56 and 87 this year.
“Our focus is going to be on the draft at this stage,” Mahoney said.
“We are obviously never closed to any opportunities that might pop up to improve our list (in the trade period).
“But at this stage, it will be focusing on our draft hand and adding to the young talent that we added to our list last year.”
The Bombers selected Nik Cox (No.8), Archie Perkins (No.9) and Zach Reid (No.10.).
Cox played 22 games in his debut season and Perkins 21. Reid played one game before a back stress fracture in July ruled him out for the season.
Mahoney said the Bombers were thrilled with the early success of their top draftees from last year this season.
“Particularly coming off not playing a lot of footy the year before to have Cox and Perkins play nearly all games was great,” he said. “We’re looking forward to what they can do after having more of a pre-season.”
The Bombers secured Kelly from Adelaide as an unrestricted free agent, signing him to a three-year deal.
Mahoney said Kelly, who played 110 games at the Crows, would play a crucial role in the Essendon defence.
“We were very clear on the reason we targeted Jake Kelly, we think he is going to add to our defensive group,” he said.