Essendon has acquired a further four draftees on night two of the 2024 Telstra AFL National Draft, securing key position prospect Kayle Gerreyn, defender Angus Clarke, forward Rhys Unwin and midfielder Zak Johnson.

Gerreyn joins the Dons via pick No.37 from West Perth, where he played 11 Colts games and appeared in two senior WAFL games in 2024, earning a place in the WA Under 18 side this season.

The 199cm ruck-forward provided lively performances at the National Championships, where he booted five goals from four outings and averaged 13 disposals and nine hit-outs per game.

Gerreyn’s agility, long kicking, competitiveness and movement around the ground gives him unique traits as a tall, allowing him to impact as both a dangerous forward target and a versatile ruck option.

Clarke, hailing from Glenelg, provides the Bombers with strong aerial capability for his 188cm frame and clean ball use at pick No.39.

Despite two injury setbacks in 2024, Clarke made very promising impressions in his appearances with SA in the National Championships, grabbing seven rebound 50’s in each of his matchups with Vic Country and Vic Metro to highlight his attacking ability from the back half.

Paired with his defensive output, Clarke was also swung forward with Glenelg at Under 18 level to good effect, giving him potential to impact at each end of the ground.

Unwin joins the Bombers with pick No.61 after an exciting season with the GWV Rebels and an appearance at the National Championships with Vic Country.

The 179cm left-footer has speed to burn, clocking a 2.88-second time in the 20-metre sprint at the National Draft Combine to finish third overall, as well as registering a fifth-place finish in the agility test (8.01 seconds).

Normally utilised as a small forward, Unwin reaffirmed his midfield talent in the Coates Talent League Grand Final, where he racked up 11 clearances against the Sandringham Dragons to finish as one of the Rebels’ best.

At pick No.70, the Bombers acquired Northern Knights Co-Captain and Best and Fairest winner Johnson.

Despite not testing at the Combine following a shoulder injury, Johnson’s performances in 2024 were proof of his quality in the midfield and off half back, boasting elite foot skills and decision making.

Johnson claimed best afield honours as he led Parade College to a second straight Herald Sun Shield victory, highlighting his big game credentials following a debut for Vic Metro as a bottom-ager in 2023.

The Bombers have also moved up the order for next year’s draft, acquiring St Kilda’s 2025 second-round pick in exchange for this year’s pick No.45 and a future fourth-round selection.

With JHA talent Isaac Kako also finding his way to the Bombers via pick No.13 on Wednesday night, the Dons come away from the 2024 Telstra AFL National Draft with an exciting five new players on board.

Essendon’s 2024 Telstra AFL National Draft 

IN:

Isaac Kako (pick No. 13)
Kayle Gerreyn (pick No.37)
Angus Clarke (pick No.39)
Rhys Unwin (pick No.61)
Zak Johnson (pick No.70)
St Kilda’s 2025 second-round pick