Essendon snapped up Sandringham Dragons product Archie Perkins with pick No.9 in the 2020 AFL Draft.
The Bombers used the second of their three first-round selections on Perkins who caused a stir after telling SEN that he informed interstate clubs of his preference to stay in Victoria.
Perkins averaged 14.2 disposals and 1.7 goals per game for the Dragons in last year’s NAB League, playing through the midfield and spending time forward.
Essendon GM of List and Recruiting, Adrian Dodoro, was impressed by Perkins during their meetings leading up to the draft.
“Archie Perkins will play in the midfield,” Dodoro told SEN Afternoons.
“What impressed us about Archie was the fact that he is a very honest young man.
“What you see is what you get, he’s an individual, he’s not a stresser, he just speaks his mind.
“He’s a really good kid and he’s really, really driven.
“He’s got some exciting attributes - he’s got elite endurance, speed and agility, kicks the ball really well.”
Essendon also selected towering position prospects Nik Cox (pick 8) and Zach Reid (pick 10) with their other first-round picks.