Essendon has selected midfielder Elijah Tsatas with pick No.5 in the 2022 NAB AFL Draft.
The Oakleigh Chargers product is a versatile midfielder who has excelled at contested work but can also use his speed to play on the wing.
Standing at 187cm, Tsatas was dominant throughout the Oakleigh Chargers’ midfield and claimed their best and fairest from only six NAB League games.
Although a foot injury limited the amount of football Tsatas could play throughout the year, the 18-year-old still showed his class when he returned for Vic Metro’s clash with Vic Country, collecting 30 disposals and five clearances.
Tsatas told AFL.com.au said he can’t wait to line up alongside the Bombers’ midfielders.
“I had no idea to be honest. Brad, Adrian and the team said they loved my game and what I bring, but they played their cards close to their chest, but I’m super excited,” Tsatas said.
“I’ll bring speed and power to the contest. I’m a midfielder who can play on the inside and outside, so hopefully I can complement some of the guys we’ve already got in the midfield.
“I can’t wait to play with Ben Hobbs, who is here today, Archie Perkins and Pat Voss, all the guys who I already know already. I'm just super keen to get into the club, a big club with lots of supporters so I’m just super excited.”
General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said the Bombers were thrilled to secure the 18-year-old.
“We’re really excited. We think he [Tsatas] is a fabulous player and we are wrapt to have him,” Dodoro said.
“He is exactly what we wanted in our midfield. He’s 188cm, he has great speed, great balance and he is high ended – won the best and fairest from six games so we are chuffed to get him.
“A lot of people had him in the top three or four on talent and he has been a player that has performed at an extremely high level as a junior.”
Essendon’s draft will continue tomorrow night with the second round of the AFL NAB Draft, with the Bombers holding picks 22, 54, 61 and 66.
The Bombers’ draft period is proudly bought to you by Homedics.
