Essendon has bolstered its ruck stocks by selecting Sam Draper with the first pick in the Rookie Draft.

Draper is 203cm and played with South Adelaide in the SANFL this year.

Essendon List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro said Draper would take time to develop.

“We desperately needed to find a developing tall, they’re so hard to find, there are not many around in AFL circles at the moment,” he said.

“He only started playing football in February this year.  He’s had a pretty steep rise this year.

“He’s a big lump of a kid, he’s quick, has got good agility and is a former soccer player.”

Draper began the season with South Adelaide playing as a key defender before moving forward and spending more time in the ruck. 

Essendon secured previously listed players, Shaun McKernan and Yestin Eades, with its other two selections.

“We’re hoping they push up for senior selection,” Dodoro said.

“In Shaun’s case he was a little unlucky to go off the list but we needed the spots.

“He’s reinvigorated and training really well.

“Yestin Eades had a disappointing second half of the year and this is a good wake up call for him and he’s come back a brand new player. 

“His fitness levels have dramatically increased.

“He’s bought in and we’re hoping he can fulfill his potential.” 

Draper, McKernan and Eades join Jake Long as the four players on the Rookie list.