Michael Hartley’s first foray into the AFL was impacted by injury.  Now he’s fit and ready for a second shot in the big time.

Essendon selected the 22 year old with its last pick in the National Draft (number 68 overall).

He joins the Club after a successful season in the VFL with Coburg.

“He enhanced his reputation by sharing Coburg’s best and fairest and gaining VFL team of the year selection at centre half back,” VFL expert Paul Amy told Inside Football.

Hartley spent time on Collingwood’s rookie list but was delisted after two injury-riddled years.

At 199cm, he is capable of playing on the biggest key forwards in the game.

“Considered unlucky to be overlooked for the 2014 drafts,” Amy said.

“He also again proved that he was over the shoulder problems that dogged him in his two years at the Maggies.”