With all eyes on the upcoming NAB AFL Drafts this Thursday and Friday at Marvel Stadium, there is no better time to review the first 12 months at The Hangar for our 2017 draft selections…

Jordan Houlahan – Pick 49 (Sturt, SANFL)

The dangerous mid-sized forward played 17 matches at VFL level in his first season at the club, booting 15 goals.

A foot injury late in the season threatened to derail his finals campaign and saw him miss the elimination final and semi-final wins over Collingwood and Richmond before he returned to play in Essendon’s preliminary final loss to Casey.

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher – Pick 66 (Sturt, SANFL)

After joining Essendon from South Australia, the man fondly dubbed “Berserk” by the Bomber faithful played 19 matches at VFL level, where his consistency as a key defender saw him secure a top-five position in the Best and Fairest after being named among the best players three times.

Zerk-Thatcher’s athleticism and courage as an intercept ball-winner at ground level as well as in the air impressed with the youngster playing several crucial roles at the death in close matches.

Matt Guelfi – Pick 76 (Claremont, WAFL)

After being overlooked in two national drafts, the West Australian midfielder made every chance count in his first season at Essendon. Guelfi made his debut in round four against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium, winning 11 kicks and six handballs as the Bombers came home with a 22-point win.

Guelfi went on to play 15 matches in the big time, kicking his first goal against the Cats in round nine and averaging a solid 15 disposals and three tackles a game.

His 21-disposal performance in the Bombers’ meritorious round 10 win over the Giants was proof that the 21-year-old has what it takes to be a part of Essendon’s engine room.

Trent Mynott – Pick 11, Rookie Draft (Eastern Ranges, TAC Cup)

Mynott played 17 matches at VFL level in his first season and quickly established a role that saw him improve with experience.

Operating primarily as a midfielder, 19-year-old Mynott proved adept at winning the ball both in contests and on the outside while also chiming in with seven goals over the course of the season.

Luke Lavender – Category B Rookie Draft (Southern Redbacks)

Injury and fierce competition for key-position spots challenged Lavender in his first season at Essendon, but he nonetheless showed his potential in 11 matches at VFL level.

The former cricketer will hopefully get a free run at it in 2019 with a clean bill of health.