The most hated statistic at Essendon reared its ugly head because the Bombers held onto their high AFL draft choose and used it to recruit Elijah Tsatas.
The 18-year-old midfielder turns into the primary Essendon participant born after they final gained an AFL last.
He was born on October 18, 2004 – a month after the Bombers beat Melbourne in an elimination last.
It is the longest finals win drought within the AFL and there are parody Twitter accounts mocking Essendon’s September futility.
But the Bombers are bullish that Tsatas will assist them finish their barren period.
The largest hypothesis earlier than Monday night time’s first spherical of the draft was whether or not they would maintain onto their high choose at No.5 – and in that case, how they might use it.
Highly rated South Australian Mattaes Phillipou was additionally of their sights.
But they went for Tsatas and St Kilda picked up Phillipou 5 picks later.
“We’re rapt to have him, he’s exactly what we want in our midfield – he’s 188cm, he has great speed, great balance, he’s high-end,” stated Bombers recruiting boss Adrian Dodoro.
“We’re chuffed to get him.”
Told in regards to the significance of when Tsatas was born, Dodoro replied: “It’s making me feel pretty old.”
Dodoro confirmed a number of golf equipment made critical provides for Essendon to commerce away their high choose.
It was at No.4 till Brisbane used their father-son provision to step in and recruit Will Ashcroft at No.2, matching North Melbourne’s bid and pushing all different choices again by one.
“They were genuine … but at the end of the day, they weren’t compelling enough for the player we wanted,” Dodoro stated of curiosity from different golf equipment.
“We’re happy we made the right call.”
Dodoro stated they determined a few hours earlier than the draft began on Monday night time to carry onto the choose.
“We would have lost a really good player to accept later picks in the draft,” he stated.
“A lot of people had him (Tsatas) in the top three or four (picks) on talent.
“We did the suitable factor by not declaring our hand – everybody within the trade knew we have been honest about listening to provides.
“You put it out there – it’s a good thing for the industry we were able to create a bit of competition for picks an put a bit of interest in the night.”
Asked if Tsatas may play in spherical one subsequent season, Dodoro stated: “He’ll certainly give himself a chance.”
Twins Alwyn Jnr and Jayden Davey have nominated Essendon below the father-son rule, with the Bombers aiming to recruit them when the draft continues on Tuesday night.
“We certainly think we’ll have another successful night,” Dodoro stated.
