Boyhood Bombers supporter Tom Jok has achieved a lifelong dream, joining Essendon via the 2018 rookie draft.
Selected with the Bombers' first pick in Friday's rookie draft (eight overall), the Sudanese-born 21-year-old arrives at The Hangar after an impressive season with Collingwood's VFL side as a utility.
Overlooked in previous drafts, Jok's story is one of persistence.
He represented Dandenong Stingrays and Victoria Country during his teenage years, before playing a starring role in St Kevin's College's 2017 VAFA premiership triumph.
His case for a spot on an AFL list received a timely boost earlier this month, when he took out St Kilda's time trial after being allowed to train with the Saints.
GM of List and Recruitment Adrian Dodoro said Jok was a remarkable athlete who would offer versatility to the Bombers' list.
"Tom has a huge motor and has been around for a couple of years. He played for Collingwood in the VFL and really impressed us with the way he developed," Dodoro said.
"We think he’ll be able to give us some versatility. He’ll actually come to the club close to our best athlete.
"He grew up barracking for Essendon and he’s hugely enthusiastic. We think we’ve got a reasonably good player."
Tom Jok blitzed the Saints' time trial earlier this month. (Photo: AFL Media)
Tom Jok's bio:
Age: 21
Height: 193cm
Weight: 80kg
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Recruited from: Collingwood VFL
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