Essendon great Tim Watson is confident the Bombers pulled the right rein with their draft choices this week, highlighting a Next Generation Academy product as one he’s particularly excited about.
Anthony Munkara, a member of Essendon's NGA, automatically became a Bomber when not selected in the AFL National Draft. The 18-year-old played two SANFL under-18 games with West Adelaide earlier this year and kicked six goals.
Munkara also impressed for the AFL academy in a game against Collingwood’s VFL side, but his 2022 season was interrupted by personal circumstances.
After watching his highlight tape, Watson named Munkara as one he’ll keep an eye on going forward.
“I was watching the kid, Anthony Munkara… just with this highlight tape, and the thing I loved, (not only) the first effort, but he loves to follow up in the play,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“Some players naturally just stay with the ball and what’s happening and unfolding, he’s one of those players.
“He looks really good. He’s a nice size, he’s got genuine speed, he’s got great vision, he might take a while but gee, he looks like he’s got some promise.”
Munkara is listed at 186cms and boasts the skills of a small forward with impressive agility and pace for his size.
West Adelaide talent manager Paul Streatfield has previously stated Munkara could be among the most talented prospects of the 2022 draft when given a chance.
“He’s enormously talented, but he’s had a year you wouldn’t wish upon anyone,” he told News Corp in October.
“I just hope that a club’s seen enough in him to give him a shot because in the right environment, if he’s got some stability around him, he’s going to be a pretty handy asset.
“If you’re talking about genuine AFL X-factor flair and talent, he’s right up there.”
Meanwhile, Watson also singled out twins Alwyn Jnr and Jayden Davey as important selections.
The sons of former Bomber Alwyn, both are small forwards who Watson believes will fill a hole on Essendon’s list.
“I think we got a really good hand in the draft,” Watson stated.
“We got the two Daveys, there fills a real gap in Essendon’s list, a couple of small crumbing forwards.
“Quick, smart, small crumbing forwards. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is coming back too, if they can get him fit that’s going to be a great thing.
“He’s going to be like a recruit.”