Essendon has welcomed booming left-footer and lifelong Bombers fan Garrett McDonagh in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft.
The 25-year-old is a mature-age recruit from Richmond VFL, who arrives at the Bombers via pick No.50 - the club's third and final selection.
A powerful rebounding defender who can also play across the wing and forward line, McDonagh shines with his lethal kicking, decision-making and composure.
Since being overlooked in his eligible draft year in 2014, McDonagh has been a star a local level, winning two premierships with West Preston in the Northern Football League and also representing Coburg and the Northern Blues' development side.
He averaged 20.6 disposals from eight games in his first season for Richmond VFL this year, and will link up with his former Tigers teammate Sam Durham at the NEC Hangar.
General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said McDonagh was poised to make an instant impact at AFL level.
"Garrett is player who deserves an opportunity," Dodoro said.
"We felt he was one of the better ready-made players in the pool this year. Even though he's 25 years of age, we think he's got a lot of football left in him.
"He's an elite left-foot kick and has fantastic endurance. We're looking forward to him playing a lot of senior football for us."
McDonagh joins Ben Hobbs (pick No.13) and Alastair Lord (46) as the Bombers' 2021 national draft selections.
GARRETT McDONAGH AT A GLANCE:
Position: Defender/midfielder
Team: Richmond VFL
Height: 183cm
Weight: 81kg
DOB: June 19, 1996
Key strengths: Long kicking, power, versatility
Key stat: Averaged 20.6 disposals for Richmond VFL this season
