Essendon’s latest recruit Sam Grimley is feeling fresh after some time off following the 2015 season. 

Grimley spent six years at Hawthorn, but was delisted at the end of last year. 

After failing to land a spot at a new club, he signed with WAFL side Subiaco. 

He’d just started pre-season when the Bombers made contact. 

“It’s quite fantastic actually,” he said. 

“It’s something I was striving for, for next year.

“Obviously I’d signed at Subiaco.  I got the phone call probably three weeks in to training. 

“The body feels good.  I had a little bit more time off than usual, obviously not starting the pre-season until January. 

“It was good for my preparation I thought, it kind of cleared the mind and I had a fresh start. 

“It has been a bit of a whirlwind two weeks, but I’m fresh and ready to go.”

Securing a regular spot in the Hawks line-up was difficult given Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead and, earlier, Lance Franklin’s command on the key positions. 

As Grimley fought for his opportunity, he became one of the best players in the VFL – twice winning the competition’s leading goalkicker award.

“I’ve been on an AFL list for six years at Hawthorn who were obviously a champion club,” Grimley said. 

“I’ve learnt a lot of things there as a forward and a little bit in the ruck as well, that I can obviously bring here and hopefully help the boys out here and have a successful career.”

Grimley is the eighth recruit to join the Bombers since the CAS decision.

The Bombers are permitted to sign two more players by March 15.