New recruit Nick Kommer believes he holds an advantage coming into the AFL system as a 22-year-old instead of being drafted as an 18-year-old.

The Bombers picked Kommer with selection 73 in the national draft after an impressive season with East Perth in the WAFL.

“I think it is pretty hard these days for a draftee who is just turning 18 to come into the system and perform well,” Kommer said.

“There was definitely a stage where I thought I wouldn’t play because of where I have come from.

“I just had to become more professional, firstly off the field mainly in terms of not going out as much and eating properly but also on the field making sure I trained right.”

“It became a goal when I started playing some good WAFL footy, I thought maybe I am a bit of a chance and then Essendon gave me that chance.”

The midfielder who model’s his game on Hawthorn hard nut Jordan Lewis does not plan on taking any backward steps once he crosses the white line in 2013.

“I am an on baller, a bit of an antagonist who likes to get in there, ruffle a few feathers and go hard at the ball,” he said.

Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro is confident the 22-year-old will play at the AFL level in the upcoming season.

“We think he is a young man who can come in and play AFL footy next year,” Dodoro said.

“He is a 22-year-old who had a terrific back end of the year in the WAFL.”

Kommer trained with Essendon for two weeks before the national draft and said it has helped his transition into his new club.

“I feel like I have settled in well, all the boys are really good blokes and it helps when it is like that.”

“It has definitely been easier that fact I had already trained with the club, all the boys are nice and willing to help.”

“I haven’t spent a lot of time with the guys that went to Colorado yet but a lot of the second year players now have gone through the same thing as what I am going through now.”