Essendon recruit Dylan Van Unen never gave up on his dream of playing AFL football despite having to wait until he was 22 years old to be drafted.

The Bombers took Van Unen at selection 51 in last week’s national draft after an impressive season at Frankston in the VFL.

“I had hoped the dream was still alive but I wasn’t really expecting it, I was just trying to play the best footy I could,” Van Unen told essendonfc.com.au.

“I went down to Frankston to try and play some senior footy and I was lucky enough to get that opportunity.”

The 22-year-old said he has enjoyed getting to know his new teammates since joining them on the Gold Coast this week.

“It was pretty good, I had the family over, it was a pretty good celebration so it was nice.”

“It’s been pretty good I have got around a few of the other boys and share it with them a little bit.

“It has been good meeting everybody as well.”

Van Unen played three seasons in the reserves for Box Hill before making the move to Frankston in search of more game time.

“I play back line predominately, I was thrown up the field at times last year and hopefully I can play as a third tall reading the play and playing that chop out role,” he said.