Growing up they were posters on his wall, now those posters will come to life.

Aaron Francis has always been an Essendon supporter and now will play alongside the champions he admired from a distance.

“I’m a big Bombers fan so definitely glad I’m here and donning the sash,” Francis said.

“It’s very exciting.

“Growing up, James Hird and Matthew Lloyd were pretty much my idols.  I looked up to them in that 2000’s era when I was a really young kid.

“Of late, Brendon Goddard and Dyson Heppell and all those guns that are playing at the Club now.”

The Dons selected Francis with the sixth pick overall.  Some Clubs rated Francis the number one player in the country not that long ago.

He was a dominant player for South Australia through the National under 18 championships.

He played all over the ground and is happy to continue to explore different positions as he begins his AFL career.

“I see myself as being that utility type of player and to fill a hole where it’s needed,” he said.

“I don’t really mind where I play.”

Francis grew up in East Murray, a small town in South Australia.

He will move across to Victoria in the coming weeks but isn’t daunted by the move.

“I’ll love it, fresh start, new experience, meeting a whole new bunch of friends,” he said.