Essendon recruit Will Snelling has the attributes to become the best athlete at the club, according to Adrian Dodoro.
The former Port Adelaide midfielder, who has starred for SANFL club West Adelaide this season, joined the Bombers via pick No.7 in the NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft on Monday night.
A ball magnet with speed and skill, Snelling’s work-rate and attitude in particular impressed the Bombers’ general manager of list and recruitment.
“He’s one of those guys who thoroughly deserves a second chance. He’s worked so hard, and when you’ve got that attitude you give yourself the best chance,” Dodoro said.
“We’re always looking to bolster our midfield. He’s a high-endurance athlete. He’s probably going to come into the club and be our best athlete. He does a 16 (on the beep test) and he’s pretty quick.
“We just felt he was one of the premier players outside of the AFL at the moment ... He's a pro and his form stacks up.”
Delisted at the end of 2018, Snelling spent three years at Port Adelaide after being selected in the 2016 rookie draft, playing one senior game and claiming last year's best and fairest for the Power’s reserves side.
Will Snelling spent three seasons at Port Adelaide. (Photo: AFL Media)
Standing at just 175cm, the tough on-baller averaged 30 disposals, 10 tackles and six clearances after crossing to West Adelaide this season.
His arrival is needs-based, given the similarities he shares with reigning Crichton Medal winner Devon Smith, who will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.
“With Devon going down, it was timely to bring in someone like him,” Dodoro said.
“He’s highly rated in terms of statistics and performance, (so) we’re very happy with the player we’ve got there.”
While revealing the Bombers were interested in South Australian ruckman Michael Knoll (Sydney, pick No.4), Dodoro backed the Bombers’ ruck depth to cover for the loss of developing big man Sam Draper (ACL).
“I think we’re OK. Tommy (Bellchambers) is standing up and playing really good footy for us. We’ve got Zac Clarke waiting in the wings. Shaun McKernan can play there, James Stewart can pinch-hit there and he hopefully comes back this week.
“We’ve got enough depth to cover us for the rest of the year.”
Essendon entered the mid-season draft with two selections, but chose to use one.
Dodoro explained the Bombers’ decision to pass on pick No.18.
“We passed because Ben McNiece is a category B rookie. He’s playing really good footy and we didn’t want to get him off the list.”
This news is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's Official Recruitment and List Management Partner.
