Essendon’s final pick in the 2016 National Draft brought together two mates.

Top pick Andrew McGrath and Dylan Clarke have known each other since they were in year nine.

They attended different schools and played for opposing TAC Cup clubs but their paths crossed regularly throughout their teens at representative level.

“I met Andy through the schoolboys (representative side) in under 15’s, so we were pretty close there,” Clarke said.

“Then the next year we played under 16’s together, got closer, and then through school footy, school athletics, Vic Metro – we’ve become fairly close so it’s good to be going to the same Club as him.

“He deserved it (McGrath being selected number one overall), he’s a great player. 

“Then to go to the same Club as him, I was absolutely stoked.”

Clarke, McGrath and their fellow draftees spent this week getting to know their new teammates during the Bombers pre-season camp at HMAS Cerberus.

“It has been good, pretty challenging but getting to meet all of the boys and all of the coaches – I think everyone has enjoyed it,” Clarke said.

“That mud run at the end, I think everyone will remember that.

“I’m rooming with Cale Hooker and Bobcat (Ben Howlett) so they’ve been really good, showing me around and making sure I’m not late to anything.

“It has been really good just being able to sit and talk to the players I’ve been watching on TV.”

Clarke, selected with pick 63, was named in the All-Australian under 18 side this year after averaging 24 possessions per game during the National Championships.

“I’m an inside midfielder and I’m still trying to develop my outside game as well and hopefully I can become that midfielder that can play inside and out,” he said.

“I’m just trying to add elements to my game.”

Clarke played under Essendon premiership player Darren Bewick at the Eastern Ranges this season.

The new Bomber said his Coach liked reminding the players about a famous night at the MCG against Geelong in 1996.

“He loves pumping his own tyres about playing for Essendon.  He kicked nine goals, he tells us that all the time,” Clarke said.

“He was a great Coach and a really good bloke.

“Going into the draft I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I’m stoked to be joining Essendon.”