Essendon has secured athletic defender Luamon Lual with pick No.39 in the 2023 AFL National Draft.
The GWV product made a name for himself as one of the quickest rebounding backs in the draft, with an ability to push up the ground as an outside midfielder.
The Bombers swooped on the Western Bulldogs NGA product, one pick before a bid would've been matched.
Lual played four games for Victoria Country in the Under 18 National Championships and was also selected in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year after averaging 17.9 disposals 3.6 tackles and 2.9 rebound 50s per match.
National Recruiting Manager Rob Forster-Knight said Lual will be an excitement machine for the Bombers.
"Luamon's a really exciting playmaker off halfback who drives a lot of excitement, a lot of dash," Forster-Knight said.
"He has really high-end athletic ability. He only really started the game of AFL as a 12-13-year-old, so we think there's a tremendous amount of upside to go with him.
"We think he's a young man of the highest character as well, he's had some challenges in life but I think our fans will love seeing him play."
