Essendon is ineligible to participate in the Pre-Season Draft, with GWS securing the first six selections.
Essendon has selections 11, 29, 47, 64, 78 and 85 in this year's Rookie Draft.
In the lead up to Tuesday’s AFL Rookie and Pre-Season Draft, we take a retrospective look at Essendon’s best past player rookie selections from 1997.
Rookie Draft: Year by Year (Past Players)
1997
Mark Johnson
Johnson was elevated to the club’s senior list in 1999 after two promising years in the reserves. He was a key figure in Essendon’s premiership win against Melbourne in 2000, and later claimed the 2002 Crichton Medal following an outstanding season for the Bombers.
Known for his hard running, aggression and consistency Johnson was a fan favourite and after a stellar career at the Bombers, was traded to Fremantle in 2008.
Gary Moorcroft
A small but tough player who was placed on Essendon’s rookie list in 1995, Moorcroft was a consistent performer who had the ability to take high marks. He was a key figure in the 2000 premiership winning side, but will most likely be remembered for his spectacular mark against the Western Bulldogs in 2001. Moorcroft was later drafted by Melbourne in 2003 but only managed to play three games.
1998
Dean Rioli
Rioli made his debut in 1999 after being elevated from the rookie list in 1998, and proved to be a dangerous half-forward with great poise and the ability to find space. Rioli’s skill and aggression were on display during the 2005 season, but the following season he was restricted by injury. A career cut short by injury, Rioli will be remembered for his silky skills and ability to read the game.
2001
Damien Peverill
Peverill’s no nonsense approach to football was admired by Bomber fans, as the tough tagger was elevated to the senior list after being drafted as a rookie in 2001. He was one of Essendon’s most consistent performers in season 2002 and finished fifth in the club’s best and fairest awards that year. Peverill finished his career with Essendon after playing 10 games for the club in 2008.
2000
James Podsiadly
Podsiadly was originally recruited by Essendon in the 1999 Rookie Draft with selection 58 after playing for the Western Jets. Following 19 games with Essendon’s reserve team in the VFL, Podsiadly was de-listed. Podsiadly is now a dominant key-forward for the Geelong Cats.
Rookie Draft: Year by Year (Past Players)
1997
Mark Johnson
Johnson was elevated to the club’s senior list in 1999 after two promising years in the reserves. He was a key figure in Essendon’s premiership win against Melbourne in 2000, and later claimed the 2002 Crichton Medal following an outstanding season for the Bombers.
Known for his hard running, aggression and consistency Johnson was a fan favourite and after a stellar career at the Bombers, was traded to Fremantle in 2008.
Gary Moorcroft
A small but tough player who was placed on Essendon’s rookie list in 1995, Moorcroft was a consistent performer who had the ability to take high marks. He was a key figure in the 2000 premiership winning side, but will most likely be remembered for his spectacular mark against the Western Bulldogs in 2001. Moorcroft was later drafted by Melbourne in 2003 but only managed to play three games.
1998
Dean Rioli
Rioli made his debut in 1999 after being elevated from the rookie list in 1998, and proved to be a dangerous half-forward with great poise and the ability to find space. Rioli’s skill and aggression were on display during the 2005 season, but the following season he was restricted by injury. A career cut short by injury, Rioli will be remembered for his silky skills and ability to read the game.
2001
Damien Peverill
Peverill’s no nonsense approach to football was admired by Bomber fans, as the tough tagger was elevated to the senior list after being drafted as a rookie in 2001. He was one of Essendon’s most consistent performers in season 2002 and finished fifth in the club’s best and fairest awards that year. Peverill finished his career with Essendon after playing 10 games for the club in 2008.
2000
James Podsiadly
Podsiadly was originally recruited by Essendon in the 1999 Rookie Draft with selection 58 after playing for the Western Jets. Following 19 games with Essendon’s reserve team in the VFL, Podsiadly was de-listed. Podsiadly is now a dominant key-forward for the Geelong Cats.
2004
Andrew Lovett
Lovett was elevated from the rookie list in 2005 and made his debut in fine form – exciting all with his skill, speed and poise. He was best afield in only his third senior match, claiming the Anzac Day medal against Collingwood in 2005. Lovett managed only 16 games in 2007 after being restricted by injury. In 2009, it was announced that Lovett had accepted a trade to St Kilda.
Tomorrow, we look at Essendon’s current-day player rookie selections.
Click here to view Essendon’s draft history from 1986.
Click here to view Essendon’s draft history from 1986.
