Xavier Duursma will wear the red and black in 2024 after the Bombers and Port Adelaide agreed to a trade for the midfielder.

The 23-year-old arrives at the NEC Hangar in exchange for defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, pick No.73 and two future fourth rounders who requested a trade to Port Adelaide earlier in the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.

Hailing from Gippsland, Duursma was drafted by Port Adelaide with pick No.18 in the 2018 National Draft, going onto play 73 games.

Throughout his career, the 23-year-old has averaged 16.3 disposals, 9 kicks and 7.2 handballs, while hitting the scoreboard 33 times.

Known for his endurance on the wing, Duursma has made a trademark for himself as a courageous player.

General Manager of List and Recruiting Adrian Dodoro said the club was pleased to acquire Duursma.

“We are very excited to have Xavier join the club. At 23 years old, he has a lot of good football ahead of him and we look forward to seeing him continue to develop at Essendon,” Dodoro said.

“Xavier is a dynamic midfielder with the endurance and speed to excel on the wing while also being able to play an inside midfielder role.

“We believe Xavier will really complement our midfield group and we look forward to seeing him in the red and black for years to come.”