Essendon has selected smart small forward Ned Cahill with pick No. 56 in the NAB AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on Thursday evening.

The goalsneak played a key role in Vic Country’s strong 2019 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships campaign, kicking six goals and averaging 12.3 disposals and 3.5 tackles from his four games.

That added to a terrific season at Dandenong Stingrays where he was constantly dangerous in attack with 23 goals from his 16 games and had no trouble finding the ball with an average of 16.8 disposals. 

General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro was thrilled to have such quality available late in the draft and said the club hopes Cahill can develop into an onballer. 

"He’s a good little player – he’s got a massive motor and great goal sense," Dodoro said on Thursday.

"He predominantly plays as a forward, but because of his engine and his smarts, we think he can go in the midfield.

"We think he’s an exciting player and a good pick late, so we’re really happy to get him."

NED CAHILL
Club – Dandenong Stingrays
Height – 178cm
Weight – 77kg

U18 championship stats
Games – 4
Goals – 6
Average disposals – 12.3
Average tackles – 3.5

NAB League stats
Games – 16
Goals – 23
Average disposals – 16.8
Average tackles – 3.6

More to come.

This news is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's official recruitment and list management partner.