The Club has used its first pick in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft, pick 49, to select young forward, Jordan Houlahan. 

Houlahan had a strong finish to the season for Sturt Football Club in the South Australia Football League, and continued to showcase his talent with an impressive display at the NAB AFL Draft Combine.

Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said Houlahan will add some x-factor to the forward line.

"He is very talented, and despite being mid sized, is a high marking half forward," Worsfold said. 

"He has a lot of upside and x-factor, and has the ability to create opportunities in the forward line.

"We are wrapt to give a young South Australian talent an opportunity to play at the elite level." 

The young forward impressed the recruiters after recording the equal highest possible score of 30/30 in the goalkicking test, and 28/30 in the kicking test. 

Houlahan's other impressive results from the Combine included the 5th highest standing vertical jump at 77cm and running vertical jump at 95cm.

List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, has likened Houlahan to a high flying magpie.

"Houlahan is a mercurial type of player, there is a bit of Jeremy Howe in this guy and the way he plays," Dodoro said.

"He is a very talented individual and doesn't even realise how talented he could be.

"He just has to work hard. He's rapt to be at the Essendon Football Club, and he's a guy with huge upside and we are really excited to have him on board."

SANFL high performance manager, Brenton Phillips, is full of praise for Houlahan.

“He’s got that X-factor that clubs are looking for and while he’s cut his teeth as a medium forward he can play in other positions,’’ Phillips said.