As the national draft unfolded on the Gold Coast, the inaugural and intimate Draft Dinner at the True Value Solar Centre was in full swing.

A valuable group of club supporters and locker sponsors joined coaches and players in the Essendonians function room for a mouth watering three-course meal and a rare insight into the Bombers draft selection strategy.

After picking the brain of assistant coaches Simon Goodwin and Matt Egan, and new recruits Shaun Edwards, Kurt Aylett and Johnny Rayner in an entertaining Q&A, the room turned its attention to the unfolding draft coverage.

Following the selection of Zach Merrett and Orazio Fantasia, List Manager Adrian Dodoro and Football Operations Manager Steve Alessio crossed live to the function to provide the guests with an in-depth profile of the new recruits.

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 DRC Chairman and Collins St Dons founder Kevin Dale said the Draft Dinner was a fantastic initiative by the club.

“I thought it was a brilliant idea to include us in the draft, it’s something supporters don’t get the chance to do and for us to sit in here with some of the players and coaches was great insight,” Dale said.

“I think the hallmark of the Essendon Football Club is that they do include the corporates and keen supporters.”

“If you’ve been to a function where the rookies are there, or the young players are there, you can relate to them and when you see that player on the field and you know his name, you’ll have that connection.”   

General Manager, Commercial Partnerships and Special Projects Xavier Campbell said the dinner was a fantastic way to acknowledge the generous donations.

“The guests who attended tonight’s inaugural Draft Dinner have made valuable contributions to assure the completion of this fantastic new facility,” Campbell said.

“It’s a small gesture on behalf of the club and from all reports the guest have really enjoyed themselves and gained a great insight into the two young players who will be pulling on the red sash in the coming seasons.”

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