The Bombers only had two live selections at last night’s 2013 AFL National Draft, taking Merrett at pick 26 and Fantasia with pick 55.
Thompson is convinced both players can have an immediate impact at an AFL level.
“When you only have two, you have to get it right, especially with the first pick. We needed to nail the first pick,” Thompson said.
“The Merrett clan have good genes so we are pretty confident he will play and the same with Fantasia.”
18-year-old Merrett is an elite runner who is set to bring some classy ball use to the Bombers’ midfield.
“We always thought that he could be around the mark but may have been taken early so we are very excited he has joined his brother and come to Essendon,” Thompson said.
“I think it will be great for the family overall, his mum and dad in Cobden.
“It will be an easy transition for him, I think Jackson was a little bit home sick when he first got to Essendon but I don’t think his brother will be.”
Thompson was pleased with Fantasia’s pedigree under assistant coach Nathan Bassett at Norwood during the season.
“Nathan Basset knows Orazio pretty well, he played in a premiership team with Nathan and he has really good endurance,” Thompson said.
“You wouldn’t have got a game in Nathan Basset’s side if you weren’t a defensive type player and at the same time he can do some pretty exciting things with the ball so we are excited to have him.”
Despite losing Scott Gumbleton (traded), Stewart Crameri (traded) and David Hille (retired) during the off-season, Thompson played down the fact that the club was in need of a tall at the upcoming rookie draft.
“Our ruckmen (Patrick Ryder and Tom Bellchambers) are going to play for another eight years so there is no real rush although they do take a long time to develop,” Thompson said.
“If it is not this year we are probably going to need another ruckman at some stage.”
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