Essendon has finalised the deal to secure GWS key forward James Stewart.

The Bombers gave up pick 77 for the 22 year old.

Stewart said the lure of a return home to Melbourne and the prospect of playing for a big Club with an exciting list helped seal his decision to move to the Bombers.

“I watch a bit of footy and I saw how competitive Essendon were last year and I think with the players coming back it’s going to be a really strong outfit,” Stewart said.

“It’s an extremely exciting time, the place is going to be buzzing and I’m rapt to be a part of that going forward.

“I was really excited with the list that they’ve got as well and obviously the amazing facilities they’ve got out here at Tullamarine.

“There are so many positives and in the end I felt it was a really good fit for me.”

Stewart was recruited from Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup and played 18 games with GWS.

The Giants secured Stewart with the 27^th overall pick in the 2012 National Draft.

Essendon’s List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro said the Bombers continued to track his progress throughout his career.

“He’s just found it really difficult to break into a really strong forward line at GWS,” Dodoro said.

“When you’ve got the likes of Patton, Cameron and Lobb in the forward line it’s very difficult to get a game.

“His NEAFL form has been first class. 

“He’s a very smart player.  He’s got very good agility, plays as a bit of midfielder actually.

“There are certainly elements of his game that we’d like him to work on and he knows that.  But he’s come in with a great attitude and a desire to really want to be a good AFL player.”