Boyhood Bomber Cody Brand has had his dream come true, joining Essendon via pick No.53 in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft.
The Bombers chose to match the Western Bulldogs' bid for the key defender, who was tied to the club through its Next Generation Academy.
Brand's connections with Essendon run deep.
Modelling his game on Dustin Fletcher, he soaked up knowledge from the club legend with his school side at Essendon Grammar, where Fletcher oversees the backline.
He also developed under the tutelage of fellow ex-Bomber Heath Hocking in the James Hird Academy (JHA), joining the JHA in 2018.
Like his idol Fletcher, Brand is a shutdown defender who competes strongly in the air.
The 196cm product impressed as a bottom-ager in the NAB League last year, averaging 7.9 disposals and 2.5 rebound 50s across 10 games for the Calder Cannons.
He also showed his versatility, adding three goals.
Brand’s impressive efforts saw him selected as one of just 48 talented draft prospects to play in the NAB AFL All Stars curtain-raising match ahead of the Grand Final at the MCG.
He also earned the opportunity to train with Essendon's senior side alongside fellow Bombers NGA member and No.39 pick Josh Eyre for a week in December last year.
Proud of his Indigenous roots through his grandfather, who moved to Victorian from the Ben Lomond nation in Tasmania, Brand joins a club which has a rich and long-standing Indigenous history.
CODY BRAND AT A GLANCE:
Position: Key defender
Team: Calder Cannons/Vic Metro
Height: 196cm
Weight: 87kg
DOB: May 23, 2002
Key strengths: Marking, competitiveness, booming right foot
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