The thought of returning to local football entered Daniel Younan’s mind last year but ultimately his desire to play at the highest possible level won out.

Younan is one of several new recruits for Essendon VFL and will bring a combination of leadership and forward pressure to his new Club.

“I wasn’t sure whether to go back and play local footy or push on and play VFL but I think my body has got another two or three years at VFL level, to I just want to enjoy the professionalism,” Younan said.

“For as long as I can play professional footy for I’ll do that.

“When the body is ready to go back to local footy I’ll head back but for now I’ll play the highest level of footy I can for the longest period of time.”

A meeting with key Bombers staff sealed Younan’s move from Coburg where he had established himself as one of the best small forwards in the VFL.

Younan was a former Vice-Captain at Piranha Park and played more than 50 games for the Club.

He’s made an instant impression at his new home with teammates voting him into the Leadership Group.

“It has been pretty good from day dot, the boys have been really welcoming … all the coaches have been superb,” Younan said.

“Sitting down with ‘Browny’ (Ashley Brown – VFL Operations Manager) and ‘Corra’ (Paul Corrigan – VFL Coach) and listening to the direction they were heading in and given they’d lost a bit of leadership last year … it was a no-brainer to come and fit in at this Club.”

Younan prides himself on the defensive pressure he’s able to apply in the forward half and said the talent on the Essendon list provides a solid platform for a strong season.

“With the squad we’re putting together and with the AFL blokes coming back, we’re going to be pretty hard to beat,” he said.