With the AFL Draft taking place on the Gold Coast on Thursday night essendonfc.com.au takes a look back on the three selections from last year’s national draft along with VFL coach Hayden Skipworth assessing their first 12 months at the Club.

Elliott Kavanagh – Selection 19, 2011 National Draft

The Bombers first round selection, Kavanagh showed strong improvement throughout the seasons playing for Bendigo in the VFL. A lightly framed and highly skilled midfielder Kavanagh received a call up to make his debut against Hawthorn in round 18 collecting 13 disposals.

Skipworth on Kavanagh

“Elliott’s improvement throughout the year was excellent. He can run all day, is going to be a link player and is an endurance athlete. His decision making with the ball and his kicking are excellent. His contested ball improved a lot, it was an area for improvement as the start of the year and to his credit he worked really hard at it. By the end of the year he had improved to a level where he as able to get a game at AFL level.”

Jackson Merrett – Selection 31, 2011 National Draft

The lightly framed midfielder impressed in his only match at AFL level during the final round against Collingwood at the MCG. He played across half forward and showed he can mix it with the bigger bodies with a number of important tackles. Merrett had a consistent season for Bendigo in the VFL and will be looking for a strong pre-season in the gym in the build up to 2013.

Skipworth on Merrett

“Jackson’s improvement from the start of the year to the end of the year was probably the biggest. He was obviously a really skinny kid when he came in but the way he improved his last five or six weeks in the VFL was excellent. We are hoping he takes that improvement forward to pre-season and you never know he might be an option to play NAB Cup to give him some more experience.”

Nick O’Brien - Selection 59, 2011 National Draft

O’Brien suffered some injury problems early in the season but consistent performances for Bendigo in the second half of the season saw him play his first game at AFL level in round 22 against Richmond. The 19-year-old forward joined a unique club during his debut booting a goal with his first kick in AFL football. He impressed in the final round match against Collingwood kicking two goals to set up what promises to be an exciting year in 2013 for the youngster.

Skipworth on O'Brien

“Nick showed a lot really early in the season then in round three against Port Melbourne he broke his foot. Showing how tough he is, he played the rest of the game out not knowing that his foot was broken. We didn’t see the best of him because he missed so much football but he came back and played some unbelievable footy before being lucky enough to get a few games in the seniors. He looks really comfortable at AFL level and didn’t look out of place at all.”