Essendon has concluded night one of the Telstra AFL National Draft, where they secured NGA talent Isaac Kako from the Calder Cannons with pick No.13.

The Bombers have added a welcome spark to their forward mix with Kako, who’s showcased electric outings at both representative and state level in the past two seasons, selected as an All Australian at Under 18 level in 2024.

In the lead-up to acquiring the James Hird Academy product, the Bombers completed two pick swaps on the night with both Brisbane and St Kilda to solidify their ability to match for Kako and move up the order in the second round.

Essendon now have a further four picks at hand to utilise on the second night of the draft this Thursday, including two in the second round.

Essendon’s night one of the draft

IN: Picks No.35, 37, 58
OUT: Picks No. 40, 46, 53, 54, 65

IN: Picks No.32, 47
OUT: Picks No. 28, 58

IN: Isaac Kako (pick No.13), pick No.60
OUT: picks No. 33 and 34 (used to match Richmond’s bid for Kako)

Essendon’s remaining national draft picks

Picks No. 37, 39, 43, 60