Up to seven players will begin training with Essendon on Monday with the hope of gaining selection in the pre-season draft and taking the last position on the club’s senior list.
Western Australian Dayle Garlett is one prospect many thought would be selected in the national draft but was overlooked.
Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro said the lead up to the pre-season draft provided the club with an opportunity to do further homework on future draft prospects.
“There are a number of boys that have missed out in the national draft and we have one live pick and we will look at six or seven boys,” Dodoro said.
“Not just for Dayle (Garlett) but for all the guys that come over we need to find out as much as we can about them.”
“We will invite a few boys over as of Monday and look to take the best player available or the player that best suits our needs.”
Dodoro said having the players around the club provided the chance to get a greater insight into potential draftees.
“We need to find out how much welfare they require, whether they will fit in, whether they want to stay in Melbourne,” he said.
“Our coaches get to see the guys first hand and that is the best part about having them here.”
“I am looking forward to seeing a really good exciting bunch of boys putting their hand up for a spot.”
Essendon has had success in the pre-season draft in recent years with the recruitment of players such as Tom Bellchambers and Kyle Hardingham.