After a month at the Essendon Football Club, new recruit, Luke Lavender, has found his feet in the world of AFL.

Drafted as a Category B Rookie, Lavender left Premier Cricket in South Australia to pursue a career in football with the Bombers. 

Lavender said he is enjoying the challenges of the transition.

“It’s a different game, there is a lot more running than cricket but my body is starting to get up to the standard that I need to be at. I should be all good by the start of the season,” Lavender said.  

“Over the preseason I want to build up my muscle, I’ve been doing a lot of weights recently and will continue working on that.

“I’ve been training with Hurley and doing a lot of bike work with him, he’s been really good to me.

“I’m travelling pretty well and getting nice and fit with the boys. I’m really enjoying it.”

Lavender said fellow new recruits Jordan Houlihan, Matt Guelfi, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Trent Mynott had settled into the Club nicely.  

“They are all going pretty well and the boys have really taken them under their wings so they are all enjoying it,” Lavender said.

“It’s a different system to what they’re probably used to but everyone is getting there.”