Premiership player Jacob Townsend has today officially joined the Bombers after the former Tiger signed with the club during the AFL pre-season supplemental selection period.

Townsend arrives at The Hangar with 48 AFL games across two clubs, playing 28 for Greater Western Sydney and 20 for Richmond, including the 2017 premiership.

The 26-year-old starred in the Tigers’ 2017 finals campaign, kicking five goals – two in the Grand Final.

In the same year, he was awarded the JJ. Liston Trophy as the best and fairest player in the VFL.

Townsend - a childhood Essendon supporter - began his AFL journey in 2010, signing with the Giants while he was still in high school under the club’s zoning concessions. He officially joined the Giants in 2012 before being traded to Richmond in 2016.

Townsend celebrates a goal during the Tigers' 2017 Grand Final triumph. (Photo: AFL Photos)

General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said Townsend would provide the Bombers with versatility.

“Jacob will provide us with a really hard edge. He is a player that is really combative, and we felt that we needed these attributes in our line-up,” Dodoro said.

“Jacob has the ability to apply pressure in our forward line, but we are also confident that he can play inside as a big-bodied midfielder.

“The focus for us was to find experienced players during this period and we believe Jacob can play a great role and have an instant impact at the club.”

To be eligible to be selected in the AFL pre-season supplemental selection period, a player must have previously nominated for the national draft or previously been on the list of a club.

Townsend will begin training with the Bombers on Thursday, December 5.

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