Essendon’s midfield stocks have been bolstered tonight with the Bombers selecting Dyson Heppell with the Club’s first pick (number 8 overall) at the AFL National Draft.

Recruited from the Gippsland Power, Heppell is a skilful left-footed medium defender with a penetrating kick, strength overhead and clean hands.

Essendon manager of personnel, Adrian Dodoro said the 189cm midfielder is in the mould of Hawthorn’s Luke Hodge.

“He is a bit like Luke Hodge in that he uses the ball really well, is extremely hard at the contest and can play multiple roles – defensive, midfield and forward,” Dodoro said.

“He is a left-footer with terrific leadership attributes and we see him being a 200-game player for the club.

“His crowning glory this year was the preliminary final where he was absolutely outstanding, had a 40-possession game and lifted the team over the line single-handedly.

“He is the sort of player that we think will be able to play AFL football from Round 1 next year.”

The 18-year-old shone in his appearances for Vic Country in the U18 Championships, winning MVP and All-Australian honours and averages 20 disposals and four tackles.
The Bombers used their second selection (number 31 overall) to secure 191cm key-forward Ariel Steinberg. Recruited from the Bendigo Pioneers, Steinberg is quick on the lead and has an excellent natural leap. He played American football (gridiron) in Alberta, Canada is 2009.
Essendon used its third round selection (number 48 overall) to recruit medium defender Alex Browne from the Oakleigh Chargers. Alex reads the play extremely well and has the ability to push into the midfield.
The Bombers secured the pacey Luke Davis from West Adelaide with their round four selection (number 64 overall). Davis is a medium defender with above average speed and power and has strong endurance.
Midfielder Michael Ross from the Gippsland Power has been picked up with the Bombers fifth round selection (number 80 overall).
Essendon passed with their sixth round selection (number 95 overall).
The Bombers used their seventh round selection (number 106 overall) to promote rookie Ben Howlett.