Essendon has bolstered its midfield stocks selecting Elliott Kavanagh with the club’s first pick (number 19 overall) at the 2011 NAB AFL National Draft in Sydney. 

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Recruited from the Western Jets, Kavanagh is a skillful midfielder with a penetrating kick, great speed and superb endurance.

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Essendon manager of player and personnel Adrian Dodoro said the 185cm recruit is great addition to the club.

“Elliott is a dynamic winger who has a lot of creativity, speed and endurance and he uses the ball extremely well. He has a touch of class about him and is a very exciting talent,” Dodoro said.


“He is a product of Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School and is an AIS graduate. He has been hampered by some injuries but is back to full fitness and we can’t wait to see him at the club for his first pre-season.”


Kavanagh impressed with a time of 10.37 minutes for the 3km time trial at the NAB AIS/AFL Academy and he also topped the Matthew Lloyd Clean Hands Test, highlighting his skill with the ball. 


The Bombers used theirsecond selection (number 31 overall) to secure midfielder Jackson Merrett. Recruited from the Geelong Falcons, Merrett is a 187cm midfielder with a terrific football brain. 


""He has a terrific work-rate and his run and carry is game-breaking. His ability to find space and work to position is very good,"" Dodoro said.

Merrett represented Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

The Bombers used their third selection (number 59 overall) to recruit Nicholas O'Brien. Recruited from the North Ballarat Rebels, O'Brien is a 189cm versatile forward with a big leap.


""He is a great lead-up forward with a strong work-rate, strong hands and great left boot. He is extremely composed with ball and is originally from the Carnghom Linton Football Club,"" Dodoro said.

Essendon used its fourth and final selection (number 75 overall) to confirm promoted rookie Stewart Crameri has been elevated to the senior list.