Will Setterfield is set to wear the red and black in 2023 after Essendon traded with Carlton to acquire the services of the midfielder.
The club’s first trade in the 2022 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period saw the Bombers secure Setterfield and pick No.68, with Carlton receiving a future fourth-round pick.
Hailing from Albury in New South Wales, Setterfield was drafted by GWS in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft with pick No.5 before being traded to Carlton ahead of the 2019 season.
A hybrid midfielder, the 24-year-old has played 57 games, averaging 15.7 disposals, 9.6 kicks and 6.1 kicks per game.
Setterfield played 13 games for Carlton this season, with a career-best performance in round 22 against the Demons, where he collected 26 disposals and six tackles.
At 192cm, Setterfield will provide the Bombers with a physical presence in the midfield while also having the versatility to transition onto the wing.
General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said Setterfield was an excellent addition to the Bombers’ list.
“We are thrilled to have Will join the club. We have rated Will highly ever since the 2016 draft, so to have him on board is fantastic,” Dodoro said.
“Our objective for this trade period was to get a big-bodied inside midfielder and at 192cm, Will is exactly that.
“Will has the potential to be an excellent footballer and we look forward to seeing his growth once at the club.”
Setterfield said he was thrilled to join the Bombers.
“I’m absolutely pumped to be joining the Bombers and I can’t wait to get started,” Setterfield said.
“It’s an exciting time for the football club with Brad Scott taking over as coach and I’m looking forward to getting to work with him as well as meeting my new teammates and building a strong connection with them.
“I feel that I play my best football as an inside midfielder and after speaking with Brad recently, I’m extremely excited and looking forward to the opportunity to pull on the red and black each week.”
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