Unlike most of the Essendon players who have been kicking the football around from a young age - American Jeremy Kraus has only been playing Australian Rules for the past year. The 21-year-old stumbled across the game when his new roommate suggested he come to training and check out the sport Australians call football. Immediately Kraus took a liking to the game and the rest is history. ""Last March was the first time I had ever seen the game or heard anything about it. I was so confused when I first saw it. When I actually got out on the field and went to a couple of training sessions - I started to catch on pretty quick.My first game was kind of a mess - I just ran around like a chicken with its head cut off - I didn't really know what was going on. But it was fun and I loved it straight away,"" the marketing student said.

Kraus is training with Essendon for three weeks on a US AFL scholarship program. ""The committee from the United States Australian Football League select a young player - usually between 18 and 22 years-old that is showing a lot of promise in the game. I was lucky enough to be selected,"" a jubilant Kraus said. Kraus plays primarily in the ruck position for the Cincinnati Dockers and is trying to learn as much as he can in his time at Windy Hill. According to Kraus it has been a great experience so far and he is awestruck at the skill level of the Bomber players. ""It was amazing the first time I went out and had a kick with the guys from Essendon. I just sat there with my mouth wide open, overwhelmed at how awesome these guys are. I am learning a lot and the players are really helpful - they are pointing out some of the things I am doing that are not quite right and how I can improve my game.""