The Bombers have added to their defensive and attacking stocks with the selection of Massimo D’Ambrosio and Jye Menzie in tonight’s NAB Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
With pick No.3, Essendon selected D’Ambrosio from the Western Jets and with pick No.18, South Adelaide’s Menzie joined the club.
Starring as the Western Jets' co-captain, D’Ambrosio is a robust defender known for his pace across half-back, with the 19-year-old averaging 27.7 disposals across his four NAB League matches this year.
The 178cm defender has also shown he is ready for senior football, playing the last three games for Richmond’s VFL side, including a standout performance against Essendon where he collected 25 disposals.
Playing as a midfielder during his junior days, D’Ambrosio made the switch to half-back using his elite kicking and decision making combined with his strength in the air to become a tough opponent for any forward.
Nonno was in tears, in his Collingwood FC jumper as his grandson Massimo’s name was called out by @essendonfc this is what it’s all about for me. Now it all begins for young Massi, a chance at it. Thank you for letting me be part of it. pic.twitter.com/mAU32OikyF
— Jamie Pi (@Jamie6Pi) June 1, 2022
Joining D’Ambrosio is Menzie, a high pressure forward who can hit the scoreboard while using his football smarts to set up his teammates.
Throughout his eight SANFL games for South Adelaide this year, the 19-year-old has kicked 20 goals with an average of 10.9 disposals.
Hailing from Tasmania, Menzie represented his home state at junior level before moving to South Adelaide to pursue an AFL career.
Essendon national recruiting manager Rob Forster-Knight said the Bombers were pleased with their two selections.
“We are really happy with our selections tonight, both Massimo and Jye will bring different aspects to our line-up,” Forster-Knight said.
“Massimo is a really exciting player who plays off the half-back line and is a really good ball user and has shown he can set up lots of play through his time at the VFL and Western Jets.
“Jye is a pressure forward who creates a lot of havoc in the forward line but also hits the scoreboard too, so he has the right balance between attack and defence, which we really value.”
The pair will hopefully be able to follow in the success of Essendon's previous mid-season draftees and regular best-22 players Will Snelling (2019) and Sam Durham (2021).
