Matthew Dea was set for a season in the VFL when Essendon came calling. 

The former Richmond player had signed on to play with Williamstown. 

But the yellow sash of the Tigers and Seagulls will be replaced by a red one this season, with Dea joining the Bombers last week. 

“I signed at Williamstown so I did some pre-season sessions there which was handy,” he said.

“I’ve still got a bit of catching up to do, but the body’s got a good platform to go from.

“I’ll just be putting my best foot forward and trying to get around the boys as much as I can and just be ready to go.”

Dea debuted for Richmond in 2010 and played 31 games.

He won the Tigers VFL Best and Fairest last year averaging 20 possessions and six marks, but was delisted at the end of the season.

“I feel like I was playing some good footy last year, it was unfortunate to be let go by the Tigers,” he said.

“I definitely feel I’ve got a lot to offer, and I’m keen to keep that going here.

“I’ll just be hoping to play my role and whatever the coaches ask I’ll be trying to do.”

Dea said he enjoys playing as the third tall defender.

But it was the exploits of a slightly smaller defender that Dea enjoyed watching as a young Bombers fan.

“I liked Mark Johnson and the way he went about it,” he said. 

“Dad is pretty rapt to get the red sash back, so yeah, good result.”