New Bomber Tom Cutler says he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received since joining the club in the 2019 Telstra AFL Trade Period this week.

The former Lion became a Bomber in the dying stages of the period on Wednesday evening and was immediately flooded with messages from teammates, coaches and fans both new and old.

The 24-year-old said while the last few days have been a blur, things are starting to sink in.

“It was like I got drafted again,” Cutler said on Friday.

“You get all of the messages from all of your new teammates, and all of my old teammates and former coaching staff and people at Brisbane were all sending me messages.

“All of the messages I’ve received from the Bombers fans has been really overwhelming. I’m just amazed at all of the support that I’ve received making the move here, it’s been great.”

Cutler became aware of interest from Essendon throughout the 2019 season where he impressed in limited opportunities at AFL level, averaging 21.7 disposals, 8.3 contested possessions, five marks, 3.7 inside 50s and three rebound 50s from his three senior games.

The Melburnian was impressed by the Bombers’ eagerness to see him don the sash and was buoyed by the prospect of returning home to join the prestigious club.

“It became apparent that the fit was really good and the club wanted me to take my game here and play, so that was something that was really attractive. It seemed like a really good fit, so I’m really glad that I was able to get here in the end.

“It means a lot to be close to my family, I’ve been away from them for some time. I’m quite close with my family, so the ability to move here and play football was a big part of it.

“My brother was a big Essendon man growing up, so I’m well versed in the ways of the Bombers.

“It’s a big club with a lot of rich history and I’ve got great admiration for the way the club’s going about it and the hunger they have to succeed is apparent.”

TRADE WRAP: See all you need to know from the 2019 Telstra AFL Trade Period

After spending stints across both half-forward and half-back, Cutler has found a home on the wing in the last two years where he can use his size and athleticism to his advantage.

The 192cm recruit said that is just what the Dons have signed him up for.

“Some of my key strengths as a player are my ability to run both ways on a wing … I’ve also played at half-back, so I would say my versatility is a strength,” he said.

“I like to compete in that wing role and I’m a player who can hit the scoreboard and create for his teammates. That athleticism and ability to go both ways on the wing is something that I value.

“I think I play my best football on the wing, that’s where I’ve played the last couple of seasons and I’ve been able to have some decent games in that wing spot. That’s what the club has recruited me to do; come and play in that midfield and wing spot.”

Cutler is still settling into his new home after a whirlwind week and he said his first priority will be to get a good grasp of the red and black style before he hits the pre-season head on.

“I just want to learn the Essendon way and get to know all of my teammates, coaching staff and the staff in general and earn the respect of my teammates.

“I want to learn the Bomber way and over the course of the summer just improve my game in various aspects – that’s really where my focus is. From there I’ll go and set goals for 2020 and beyond with the help of the coaching staff.”

His first impressions of his new teammates have certainly been positive, with plenty of Bombers putting in the hard yards throughout the off-season.

“I met a few of the boys in the gym like Sammy Draper, Josh (Begley), Dylan (Clarke) and Michael Hartley. I don’t know any of the boys really well, but I’ve obviously played against them from time to time.

“There have been a lot of messages from the boys welcoming me to the football club, so it’s been really good.”