Essendon is delighted to have selected Saad El-Hawli from the Northern Bullants with pick No.13 in the 2024 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
The 23-year-old is a versatile, athletic halfback/wing and has dominated the VFL this season. In eight matches at state-league level, El-Hawli has averaged 25.8 disposals and six marks per game, wowing onlookers with his explosive power and pin-point ball use.
National Recruiting Manager Rob Forster-Knight said El-Hawli is a ready-made prospect who can make an immediate impact.
"He's an exciting player to watch, he's got some really good traits that will transfer to the AFL system," Forster-Knight said.
"He's got speed, power, can mark over his head and he's quite versatile as well. We think there's a chance he might be able to put selection pressure on in the immediate future, but that depends on how well he adapts to our environment as well.
"He's played in all parts of the ground this year, he's not pigeon-holed to one position. He played halfback initially, he can roll through the wing, has a real high-end running ability and he's creative with the ball as well.
"We think with the versatility he offers he'll give Brad (Scott) and the coaching staff some options."
El Hawli will don the No.41 and will look to play his first game for the club in Essendon's VFL clash with Box Hill on Sunday at Windy Hill.
