Nate Caddy clearly isn’t the waiting type. 

The Bombers took Caddy with pick No. 10 in the National Draft on Monday, making a late pick swap with Geelong to move up the order and secure the services of the talented 18-year-old.  

After a starring season with the Northern Knights, Caddy is now prepared to attack his first pre-season as an AFL player, and he couldn’t be more excited to land at the NEC Hangar. 

“I’m so excited just to get started and meet the boys, I’m over the moon,” Caddy said.  

“I was so nervous (on draft night). It was all just a bit of a blur looking back on it, but when I heard my name get called out, all my mates getting around me, it was a dream.  

“The Bombers are a huge club and I’m grateful to be a part of it now. To know that I was a chance to go there, I was (thinking) ‘that’d be alright’, I just can’t wait to get ready and get going.” 

02:31

Draft | Nate Caddy interview

We speak to new recruit Nate Caddy after he was taken at pick 10 in the 2023 NAB AFL Draft.

Standing at 193cm, Caddy has been primarily utilised as a key forward through his junior career, showing a clean set of hands and using his physical power to hit the scoreboard. 

Caddy is confident his game will fit well into an emerging mix of young talent at the Bombers. 

“I’m a hit-up (player), I’m athletic, can take a grab and kick goals. I’d call myself a power forward, I’m pretty mobile and good on the ground,” Caddy said. 

 “Kick goals, (provide a) hard matchup. That’s what you’ll get from me.” 

 

02:31

Draft | Nate Caddy highlights

Take a look at some of the best plays from Essendon's newest recruit, Nate Caddy.

Caddy’s first conversation with Senior Coach Brad Scott on draft night set a clear tone, with the new Bomber keen to make the most of his opportunity. 

The allure of playing in marquee fixtures such as Dreamtime at the ‘G and the ANZAC Day clash are also at the forefront for Caddy, but he’s aware of where that dream starts.  

“(Brad Scott) just said congratulations on getting drafted, but the work starts now. I’m prepared to do that, and hopefully I can put my name forward (for games) next year,” Caddy said. 

“I’ve been to a few of those (ANZAC Day and Dreamtime) games. If I can do that, it would be an honour. I’d love to, I’m going to try my best to, and that just starts in the pre-season. 

“I’m ready to go now, I’ve been ready for the last month really. I’ll go to the club on Wednesday as planned and whenever training starts, I’ll be there.”