Michael Luxford is eyeing a return to the AFL scene and hopes the Essendon VFL program will be the perfect launching pad.
The former Cat has signed on with the Bombers and said he’s been made to feel at home in his first few months at the Club.
“I was a bit nervous coming to a new Club and not knowing anyone, but from day one they have been welcoming and helping me in every aspect of my football,” he said.
Luxford began his AFL career with Geelong in 2014 and played two senior games in 2015.
Last year he played 20 games in the VFL, averaged 17 disposals and kicked 15 goals.
After leaving Geelong at the end of the 2016 season, Luxford said the elite environment offered at Essendon was part of the reason he joined the Club.
“Obviously the facilities is one big incentive, having a full time AFL coach coaching the VFL and the whole culture,” Luxford said.
Luxford has his sights set on making another AFL list in the future and believes Essendon will help him in achieving that goal.
“100 percent, that’s another reason I came to Essendon, to get on an AFL list,” he said.
“Hopefully I can have a great year here and see what happens in the future.”
Competition for spots in the side will be fierce, with the Bombers boasting a strong VFL list.
“There’s definitely like 10 to 15 players from last year and obviously the AFL players coming back as well will make a stronger list,” Luxford said.
The Bombers made the semi-finals last season and Luxford said the group was hopeful of another strong year.