Talented big man Patrick Ryder has been selected by Essendon with its first selection at the AFL National Draft. Recruited from East Fremantle, Ryder is a tall forward/ruckman who is strong overhead, has clean hands and is dangerous around goals. Standing at 195cm and weighing 92kg, Ryder came under the close attention of a number of clubs, judged by some as the most talented player in the draft.

""It's probably the luckiest break we have had in the draft for number of years, we ranked him number one in the national draft, so when he was there at seven it was just a matter of calling his name out,"" Essendon recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro explained.

Likened to Lance 'Buddy' Franklin of Hawthorn, Ryder had an excellent debut year in the WAFL playing seniors for East Fremantle, achieving AFL U18 All-Australian honours and representing the AIS/AFL Academy in Ireland.

""I am sure that after a fairly solid pre-season he will play next year, he performed very well in the WAFL so we think he will be comfortable first up next year."" Dodoro said.

Ryder himself was just relieved to hear his name called out.

""I thought I would be selected at five, six or, seven, but coming to Essendon is just a dream come true,"" Ryder explained. 

""I wasn't nervous before the draft, but as they started to read the names out, my heart was beating so fast.""

Courtenay Dempsey also joins the Essendon ranks, drafted by the Bombers with selection 19. Originally from Cairns, Dempsey was recruited from Morningside, Queensland. Standing at 184cm and weighing 68kg, Dempsey is a medium midfielder/forward, with explosive pace and is strong overhead. His 7.99sec agility run was the second fastest overall at the AFL Draft camp, supporting his uncanny evasive skills.

Representing Queensland in this year's U18 championships, he was a fine player for the Allies against Victoria in Grand Final week.   

""Courtenay Dempsey is a really exciting prospect, great agility and speed the kind of player we are always looking for,"" Dodoro said.