Acquiring exciting talent, setting up well for future drafts.

Essendon National Recruiting Manager Rob Forster-Knight is impressed with how the club leveraged the two days of the Telstra AFL National Draft, capitalising on a deep talent pool this year whilst also trading to secure a slew of selections in the 2025 draft.

Forster-Knight recaps all of Essendon's movements, including the night two pick trade and each of the Dons' five new draftees.

Setting up for 2025

"We’ve now got two first-rounders next year and two second-rounders, so it’s a great position to be in really. It’s a pretty strong draft again next year as well, so we’re looking forward to that and getting some real strong outcomes.

"It gives us plenty of opportunities to improve our hand next year as well or potentially look at bringing in players through trade and free agency next year, so we’ve got some options."

Isaac Kako

"He’s a pretty exciting player. He’s a dynamic small forward, great goal sense and he covers the ground really well.

"He has a great attitude towards his footy and I’m sure he’ll come in, work hard and see where it takes him."

Kayle Gerreyn

"He’s a key forward who can pinch hit in the ruck, very mobile for his size and great skills for a 199cm player.

"Very impressive with his foot skills and ability to bring others into the game with his handballing, so he’s got a lot of talent and we look forward to seeing him develop in our system."

Angus Clarke

"Hopefully (he’ll have features similar to Mason Redman).

"He does move similar to Mason and have a similar playing brand, he’s a leader there at Glenelg so he’ll come in and make a difference on and off the field."

Rhys Unwin

"He’s another dynamic small forward who can actually pinch up in the midfield as well.

"He had a really good season, particularly in the back half (after) he was injured early on, but after that he played really impressive football for the Rebels and allowed the team to get into the grand final off the back of some of his performances.

"Hopefully he can learn off Zach Merrett, same hometown (Cobden) and he’ll be one that our supporters like seeing."

Zak Johnson

"He brings some leadership as well, he was a Captain at the Northern Knights and he’s a very poised player, actually.

"He can play in different roles because he uses the ball really well, very prolific ball winner but he played half back for Vic Metro and adapted really well to that position as well – he’s quite versatile.

"We’re really pleased with the outcome over the last couple of nights. It’s a great credit to the (recruiting) team for the work they’ve put in and we’re looking forward to seeing those five boys play a lot of football for the Essendon Football Club."