Andrew McGrath says he’s excited by the prospect of lining up alongside Dyson Heppell and Zach Merrett.

The Sandringham and Brighton Grammar junior was secured by the Bombers with the first overall pick in the National Draft.

“It has been a dream of mine to play AFL footy for so long and growing up watching blokes like Dyson Heppell and Zach Merrett develop – it’s just amazing that I’ll be meeting them in a couple of days and we’ll be teammates so that’s really exciting,” he said.

McGrath displayed his talent across every area of the ground in 2016 and is unsure what role he’ll eventually settle into.

His ball winning is a feature of his game as evidenced by his 38 disposals in Sandringham’s Grand Final win.

A star track and field athlete, McGrath’s pace, agility and spring are also in the elite bracket.

McGrath only discovered he’d be joining the Bombers when his name was called out.

“Essendon held their cards pretty closely to their chest.  I don’t think any of the boys knew what the order was going to look like and who was going to go at that coveted number one pick,” he said.

“I had a bit of a tour of the Club and met all of the key figures involved and after leaving that day I just wanted to play for Essendon.

“I loved every minute of it, loved the facilities, loved the people and I just can’t wait to get started.

“It’s such a big Club with a really rich history.

“It’s a massive honour to go at that pick and to an awesome Club like Essendon and I can’t wait to get started.”