Essendon has secured its Next Generation Academy (NGA) player Josh Eyre after matching Richmond's bid at pick No.39 for the key forward in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft.

Eyre's arrival marks a dream come true for the Calder Cannons product, who grew up barracking for the Bombers and joined the club's James Hird Academy in 2018.

Standing at an imposing 198cm, Eyre is an athletic tall who worked his way into Calder's line-up as a bottom-ager last year, becoming a mainstay as a forward and defender.

He lit up the Victorian Combine in November, clocking 6:30 mins in the 2km time trial and 2.98 secs in the 20m sprint, and recording top-10 running vertical jumps on both legs.

Eyre will be a familiar face at the NEC Hangar when he begins pre-season, having trained with the Bombers' senior side for a week in December last year.

Josh Eyre with James Hird Academy head coach Heath Hocking during a training session with Essendon's senior side in December last year. (Photo: Essendon FC)

General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said Eyre was too good to pass up.

"Josh is one of those guys who has amazing athleticism. He's 199(cm), but he could play on the wing, half-back, half-forward and pinch-hit in the ruck," Dodoro said.

"He was too exciting to let go, so when he was bidded on, it was incumbent on us to keep him at our football club.

"He's a very exciting talent and he's going to excite our fans for many years to come." 

JOSH EYRE AT A GLANCE:

Position: Key forward
Team: Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Height: 199cm
Weight: 85kg
DOB: October 24, 2002
Key strengths: Booming left foot, speed, athleticism
Key stat: Ran 20m sprint in 2.98 secs  

This news is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's official recruitment and list management partner.