Nine Essendon VFL-listed players have nominated for the upcoming AFL mid-season rookie draft, to be held on Monday, May 27.

Headlining the group is skipper Aaron Heppell, brother of Essendon AFL’s Dyson, who has been prolific in his two matches so far.

Averaging 16 disposals and five marks, Heppell’s efforts on-field go much further than his stats show.

He laid eight tackles against North Melbourne in round three, while also managing one goal against Collingwood last weekend.

Vice-captain Heath Hocking is another hopeful, looking to get his second chance at AFL level. 

Hocking was taken by Essendon with pick 20 in the 2006 rookie draft, and was elevated to the senior list in 2007.

He managed 126 games and 45 goals in his 10-year career.

This season, Hocking is averaging 15 disposals, three marks and six tackles, and has contributed three goals from his two outings.

Ray Connellan and Nino Lazzaro have also nominated, averaging 16 disposals, six tackles and 17 disposals, seven marks respectively. 

Edyn Sibbald and recruits Matthew Day, Daniel Hanna, Jacob Atley and Josh Tynan round out Essendon VFL’s nominations. 

The draft, which will be the first of its kind since 1993, will give state-league talent another opportunity to find themselves on AFL lists. 

Club officials have until Wednesday, May 8 to inform the AFL of up to three players they would like to go through medical tests.

Brooke Varney is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.