Essendon are thrilled to announce both Tom Phillips and Jack Cleaver have signed on with its VFL side for 2023.

Each player will be a welcome addition to the side, with Cleaver looking to bolster the backline and Phillips brining a wealth of experience to the midfield group.

Both trained in pre-season with Essendon’s AFL side in a bid to secure an SSP selection for the upcoming season.

A 115 AFL-gamer, Phillips adds proven experience with the former Collingwood/Hawthorn winger looking to return to his best footy after a multiple injuries.

“We’re really excited to acquire a player of Tom’s calibre for the 2023 season,” VFL Manager Bernard Shepheard said.

“Tom will offer our group a lot of professional insight into the way we train and prepare for games.

“Playing 115 games of AFL footy is no small feat, and to be able to have him on board to play VFL is a great result for us.”

In addition to Phillips, young halfback Cleaver will be making the move across from Western Australia to spend the season at Essendon.

The 18-year-old recently went undrafted after impressing within the WAFL, playing at all three levels (colts, reserves and league).

“Jack is an exciting prospect who will thrive from a full season in a senior program,” Shepheard said.

“He’s a good decision maker with ball in hand and we are excited to see his game develop over the course of the season.”

Essendon fans can get a glimpse at both Phillips and Cleaver’s first hitout in the red and black when the VFL side takes on Sandringham in a practice match at the NEC Hangar tomorrow at 10am.