Essendon has improved its 2023 NAB AFL draft hand with a second-round pick arriving at the club today.

The Bombers will receive pick No.35 and a future fourth round selection, which was connected to the Western Bulldogs, while the club will part ways with selection No.52 (Western Bulldogs) and a future third round pick (Carlton).  

This deal is a part of a four-way trade between Essendon, St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs and Carlton.

Trade wrap: Essendon player movement period

General Manager of List and Recruiting Adrian Dodoro said this was an important result for the club ahead of the National Draft in November.

“We are thrilled to have improved our draft hand with selection 35 in this year’s draft, in addition to picks nine, 31 and 73,” Dodoro said.

“The addition of pick No.35 means we have three selections inside the first two rounds and allows us a great opportunity to bring in exciting young talent next month.

 “This has been a strong Free Agency and Trade Period for the club. We’ve improved our list and improved our draft hand which is a great result for our football club moving forward.”