Essendon Football Club is delighted to announce Rick Ladson has accepted a role in player development for the 2012 season.

Ladson, 27, played 125 games for Hawthorn and will work closely with the club’s young players as a part of the Jack Jones Development Program.

Essendon general manager football operations Paul Hamilton said Ladson would be a valuable addition to the club.

“ We are really pleased to have secured Rick’s services to further enhance the Jack Jones Development Program,” Hamilton said.

“Rick has graduated out of a very good development system at Hawthorn and we have been impressed with the enthusiasm and knowledge he has clearly expressed throughout this process.""

Ladson, who debuted in 2003 after being recruited from the Bendigo U18s said he was extremely excited to be joining the Bombers.

“Since I got delisted from Hawthorn, everything has been up in the air a little bit,” Ladson said.

“But I’m really passionate about the development of young players and looking forward to getting started.

“Essendon has always been a really big and successful club so I can’t wait to come on board and learn as much as I can from the quality coaches and people involved at the club.”

Hamilton said the development and welfare role presented Ladson with a wonderful opportunity to develop his skills. 

“We are very confident that under the guidance of Danny Corcoran and James Byrne, Rick will make a very positive contribution to the development of our young players.” 

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