The Bombers are taking a patient approach with first year player Tom Wallis.

The son of Premiership player Dean Wallis joined the Bombers with the Club’s last selection in the 2015 Rookie Draft.

A solid few seasons playing with the Calder Cannons caught the eye of recruiters and now that he’s in the system, Head of Player Development Matthew Egan has seen why he was held such high esteem.

Unlike his father, who was well known for his presence across the Essendon backline, Tom is more of a midfield player with silky skills, and a strong ability to win the hard ball at the bottom of the pack.

He has progressed well so far this pre-season, but there is still a lot of work to be done before Wallis will be thrown into  senior football.

“We’re playing him in the midfield at the moment, he obviously played a fair bit of time for the Calder Cannons in the midfield and he’s working really hard with Paul Corrigan,” Egan said.

“He’s got really nice control of the ball and really nice foot skills. He’s still got a fair bit to go with his body – obviously just to put some size on.”

Wallis is no stranger around the Club.

The 18-year-old was part of the ‘James Hird Academy’ in his younger years and earned the opportunity to play with Essendon VFL late in 2015.

Egan sees great potential for the youngster and believes he has set a strong foundation for the next few years.

“He’s probably been progressed really well in the James Hird Academy over the last few years so he’s probably fitting into the program pretty easily,” Egan said.

“He’s a very popular kid and all the boys like being around him.

“His body and control around the stoppages still has a bit of work to go, but he’s progressing really well.”