News

Bombers take midfielder Elliott Kavanagh

Thursday, 24 November 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Essendon has bolstered its midfield stocks selecting Elliott Kavanagh with the club’s first pick (number 19 overall) at the 2011 NAB AFL National Draft in Sydney.

Watch Kavanagh in action here on BomberTV →

Recruited from the Western Jets, Kavanagh is a skillful midfielder with a penetrating kick, great speed and superb endurance.

Click here to view Kavanagh's profile

Essendon manager of player and personnel Adrian Dodoro said the 185cm recruit is great addition to the club.

“Elliott is a dynamic winger who has a lot of creativity, speed and endurance and he uses the ball extremely well. He has a touch of class about him and is a very exciting talent,” Dodoro said.

“He is a product of Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School and is an AIS graduate. He has been hampered by some injuries but is back to full fitness and we can’t wait to see him at the club for his first pre-season.”

Kavanagh impressed with a time of 10.37 minutes for the 3km time trial at the NAB AIS/AFL Academy and he also topped the Matthew Lloyd Clean Hands Test, highlighting his skill with the ball.

The Bombers used their second selection (number 31 overall) to secure midfielder Jackson Merrett. Recruited from the Geelong Falcons, Merrett is a 187cm midfielder with a terrific football brain.

Click here to view Merrett's profile

"He has a terrific work-rate and his run and carry is game-breaking. His ability to find space and work to position is very good," Dodoro said.

Merrett represented Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

The Bombers used their third selection (number 59 overall) to recruit Nicholas O'Brien. Recruited from the North Ballarat Rebels, O'Brien is a 189cm versatile forward with a big leap.

Click here to view O'Brien's profile

"He is a great lead-up forward with a strong work-rate, strong hands and great left boot. He is extremely composed with ball and is originally from the Carnghom Linton Football Club," Dodoro said.

Essendon used its fourth and final selection (number 75 overall) to confirm promoted rookie Stewart Crameri has been elevated to the senior list.

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got him yay!!! Welcome Ed Kavanagh

- Gwenda Warfe (posted 24/11/2011 7:31:06 PM)

sorry Elliot not Ed, apologies

- Gwenda Warfe (posted 24/11/2011 7:31:26 PM)

Before anyone starts he has worked hard to build the muscles around his hammies, this is a great pickup, cant wait to see who else we get.

- Paul Herbert (posted 24/11/2011 7:34:13 PM)

well done, but missed out on ross bugger it

- Gerard Smith (posted 24/11/2011 7:35:35 PM)

Welcome to the Bombers Elliott. All the best for your career mate. Hope the bleeding obvious is well and truely behind you (no pun intended?)...Go Bombers!!!

- David Husk (posted 24/11/2011 7:42:00 PM)

Back to back rising stars!

- Brad Scarr (posted 24/11/2011 7:52:13 PM)

welcome, welcome,welcome, u are going to be future stars, hope you enjoy the mighty Bombers!

- Rolf Buchner (posted 24/11/2011 7:55:42 PM)

Oops (truly)...interesting, two mids and a forward...more left footers too. All the best to all the new recruits...Go Bombers

- David Husk (posted 24/11/2011 8:01:15 PM)

Welcome to the young boys

- Dan Lennon (posted 24/11/2011 8:01:59 PM)

Very happy about Kav, like it when you look at his highlights and he's kicking competently with both feet. Looks the goods!

- tim j (posted 24/11/2011 8:06:45 PM)

Mccartney saw the potential in Dickson...grrr..was hoping for him in the pre season or rookie. Please please Kavanagh be over your hammies...we just dont need another

- Leigh Russell (posted 24/11/2011 8:08:16 PM)

Excellent group of young stars- Kavanagh, Merrett and O'Brien. Let's do everything we can to get 'em on the paddock this year.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 24/11/2011 8:09:27 PM)

Great to see some good midfielders added and am surprised by another forward but will take it anyway.

- Darren Fosdick (posted 24/11/2011 8:09:39 PM)

Welcome all to Essendon, hope you get used to success over the years. Do what you can to get in the side and we can all see what you bring to this great club.

- Terry Collins (posted 24/11/2011 8:09:49 PM)

Nice!Couple of those highlights had a touch of Chris Judd about it.

- Mark Elze (posted 24/11/2011 8:20:42 PM)

Couple of mids and a forward - good picks. I new the talk of rucks was crap!

- Steven Boyle (posted 24/11/2011 8:21:31 PM)

Elliott, Jackson and Nicholas, welcome to one of the great clubs in the AFL. I have been reading about you guys, and very much like what I've read.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 24/11/2011 8:25:03 PM)

all the best fellas and i think with heppels succes the newbies will only push harder ! no offence to Merrett but a little dissapointed we didnt get Ross or Talia big pre season fellas theres a spot there if yas earn it

- Daniel Driver (posted 24/11/2011 8:30:45 PM)

What happen to Watson's cousin, Seb Ross? Has he been picked up by another club?

- Adriano Soldaini (posted 24/11/2011 8:35:28 PM)

just watched O'Briens highlights.Very good hands and very mobile!Lump of a kid.Has good ground skills too.

- Mark Elze (posted 24/11/2011 8:40:32 PM)

Very happy with our selections, looks like we pinched Elliott at pick 19 and he's a Bomber diehard, great story on young Jackson in today's paper, and like what I read and see of Nicholas. A big welcome to all the boys. Reckon we pinched another one with Crameri at 71!

- Graham Flynn (posted 24/11/2011 8:41:15 PM)

Adriano, he was picked up by St Kilda with Pick 25.

- Essendon Insider (posted 24/11/2011 8:41:32 PM)

Great story on Jackson Merret in the H

- Rod Hooker (posted 24/11/2011 8:44:08 PM)

So, now we can reveal the slight twinge in Kavanagh's hammy. Great pick, hope his body holds and develops. After Saints took Ross, I felt a bit better that we took Merrett from Cats. Good lineage and name (Thorold, Roger, Daniel all stars at their clubs). O'Brien a surprise but reads very well. Crameri...Yeahhh! Didn't even get a look in at Sheridan, so no complaining. Overall...Well done Dodoro & team.

- Wesley Hull (posted 24/11/2011 8:44:53 PM)

Welcome to the EFC boys! :) This is a wonderful Club, where I'm sure you will feel very much at home. Enjoy your pre-season and the year ahead. Give us your best, young Bombers. :) xxx Angie

- Angeline Baron (posted 24/11/2011 8:46:30 PM)

Great story on Jackson Merret in the Herald Sun, welcome to the Mighty Bombers mate and thank god you will be close to your mum your all class Jackson.

- Rod Hooker (posted 24/11/2011 8:46:51 PM)

welcome to Essendon fc

- MARK JONES (posted 24/11/2011 9:07:46 PM)

Good to get kavanagh ,but unlucky with Ross and Sheridan ,just wish we traded and had an extra pick. Last pick could have been a taller forward but time will tell. Very happy with kavanagh, just hope his not another gumby with injuries.

- Chris Steffen (posted 24/11/2011 9:17:04 PM)

Elliott Kavanagh was a shoe-in @19. Jackson Merrett a very good get @31 as he was coming fast into 1st round contention. Don't know much about Nick O'Brien @59 except to say the Dons have evidently done their homework. CONGRATULATIONS Elliott, Jackson and Nick on your selection.

- Martin Gol (posted 24/11/2011 9:27:50 PM)

can.t wait 2 see the New Players Playing 4 us in 2012 James Hird Please Make these New Plays Play in the Essendon Senior side not the VFL all the time we all Ready Got a Lesson with Jenkins and Webster leaving the Club I love the New Bombers Magazine

- MARK JONES (posted 24/11/2011 9:36:29 PM)

Congratulations and welcome to Kavanagh, Merrett, O'Brien. (& Stu of course)You have a wonderful opportunity with brilliant coaches, strong club, talented team mates. Work hard, recognise your talent. Above all enjoy your time as Bombers, boys.

- Gail Taylor (posted 24/11/2011 9:42:21 PM)

Looking good at the Dons, are we still meant to keep a lid on it?

- Kevin Jackson (posted 24/11/2011 9:49:16 PM)

Congratulations Mr Kavanagh for being selected by the greatest club in the world, We wish you all the best and hope you have a long and prosperous career with the All Mighty Essendon football club! GO BOMBERS!!!

- Frank Baccalini (posted 24/11/2011 9:50:23 PM)

Always some SURPRISES in the draft order. First, recognition of Sheridan #16 Ross #25 Kerridge #27 to become first choice selections for their respective clubs. Will watch their progress with interest. Second, Kersten #34 Markworth #35 Talia #39 Paine #50 went later than I expected. Third. My early selection of Frost seems to have been left out in the cold.

- Martin Gol (posted 24/11/2011 10:00:19 PM)

Welcome to all three.Listening to SEN on my way home from work.They spoke about Merrett.Their guest speaker,said Essendon did a great job on picking up all 3 and that Merrett,was a great pickup.Well done Bombers.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 24/11/2011 10:03:34 PM)

Good pick ups guys! Welcome to the new boys, put in the hard yards, earn your spots and the rewards will be yours!

- George Choueiri (posted 24/11/2011 10:09:26 PM)

Great news ! A good midfielder, a local boy welcome Elliott ! If Jackson Merrett has inherited any of his great - uncle's ball skills (Thorold Merritt) a classy wingman for Collingwood in the 50's) then we'll all be over the moon. Nicky O'Brien kick a bag,son !

- Mary Tovey (posted 24/11/2011 10:35:15 PM)

Welcome, boys, to the Mighty Red and Black! I hope Kavanagh's hammies are as bad as Heppell's groin!

- Kris Bayne (posted 24/11/2011 10:45:37 PM)

Come on board boys. You have arrived at the right time. Time to take off. Welcome to Bomberland!

- Alan De Menezes (posted 24/11/2011 10:52:36 PM)

Welcome to the Bombers guys!! Get into those weights quickly before the rest of our bulked up team get too far ahead of yas :)

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 24/11/2011 11:07:38 PM)

why didn't we go for for Harry o'Brian ,COULD NEVER BE SHORT OF A GOOD BACKMAN

- Darren Pigott (posted 24/11/2011 11:28:28 PM)

Since the bombers recruited a forward, why not Manson? With the help few aborigines already in the list and efc, im sure he'll cope well in bigger more diverse environment.

- mark manginsay (posted 24/11/2011 11:31:11 PM)

It's like having two serves of your favourite dessert,that is what it means to me reading all the excitement within each post.. :-) Well said all,and Martin,you are a marvel!! :-) Welcome to the Bombers Elliott,Jackson and Nicholas... And Congrats to Crammers for your official promotion to the senior list.NOW the ROOKIE selections on the horizon... Go You Mighty Bombers :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 25/11/2011 1:01:12 AM)

what a fantastic year for us kav is awesome seen a few of he's games and i hope your right in the slight hammy :) jackson merrett what a quality young lad if u didnt read yesterdays sun endevour to do so... he was exected to go at 23 and is a bonus at 31. o'brien is great to have as well. i just hope it isnt because we are losing hurlz. figures crossed he wants to win flags at bomberland

- Ian Welsh (posted 25/11/2011 2:02:02 AM)

omg guys seriously we didnt miss out on ross. we gained merrett. all the best to seb. imsure eventaully he will find he's way home

- Ian Welsh (posted 25/11/2011 2:12:36 AM)

Welcome to the club Kavanagh!! Great pick up that will prove to be another Heppell in 2012, I am sure of it!! Also welcome to Merrett and O'Brian. Three more future stars of the club!! The Future, The Bombers 2012

- Darren Carter (posted 25/11/2011 4:54:45 AM)

Fantastic, good to see some local young footballers getting a chance. Welcome to the Bombers boys!! Also well done to "Stewy" Crameri for being elevated.

- Bret Symryson (posted 25/11/2011 6:38:46 AM)

Will fit right in at Essendon - especially if he can't overcome his dodgy hamstrings!

- Geoff Cliff (posted 25/11/2011 8:03:04 AM)

Ditto to all of the above! And welcome to the senior list Crama!!

- Chris Litchfield (posted 25/11/2011 8:16:15 AM)

Welcome young fellas to Essendon. Now throw some beef on these boys and get them ready for 2012. Depth is required if we want to be serious contenders for a top 4 spot! We look to be gaing enough talent to have pressure on players to consistantly perform to high standards or face the chop. Others are in waiting. No more talking do the hard yards in pre-season and get those bodies right. The rest is in the head!

- Harry Calaghan (posted 25/11/2011 8:18:54 AM)

Funny thing about young Elliot, reminds me of why we got Dyson Heppell, seems they both had injury worries earlier in the season, last year, and this year, isn't that a coincidence, but if those are tactics, well we might have another rising star, and i approve whole heartedly, welcome to our club kids, hope sincerely that you all have long and successful careers.

- Max Rodwell (posted 25/11/2011 9:00:58 AM)

What a tremendous team we have now, especially with all the hard work the coaches have been putting the players through and the new additions. Now hopefully we can get everyone on the park at the same time. Lets get Little and Duscher in the rookie draft. Essendon can we have more info on Nic O'Brien?

- Trent Hobson (posted 25/11/2011 9:25:21 AM)

Jay Clark from the Heraldsun suggests Essendon did the best out of the draft. (Other than Giants)If Kav is fit could win the Rising Star suggested by Jay clark.

- Gerard Smith (posted 25/11/2011 9:40:01 AM)

welcome lads, good luck for what is hopefully a long and successful career at the mighty bombers

- Greg Kemp (posted 25/11/2011 9:48:34 AM)

Warm welcome to all 3, hope u have successful careers @ Essendon, Hirdy said we had more than enough forwards, if that's the case would loved to have seen them "gamble" on the Manson x-factor, or Boseley (Fletch clone), with a lot of luck one or both will be available as rookies, defenders next on list, big time

- Mark McLachlan (posted 25/11/2011 10:13:01 AM)

Mary,you are spot on,Thorold Merrett was (dare I say it) a champion,he and Hutchy were the two best stab kicks ever.John Coleman said he loved playing in State games with the likes of Merrett,getting the ball lace out on his chest.In one particular State game Merrett played what I have always thought to be the one of the best individual games I ever saw.I hope our young Jackson has inherited his great uncle's ability,wow, what a smack in the gob that would be to the Pies.

- Bill Carbis (posted 25/11/2011 10:19:57 AM)

Martin you did ok, look forward to your "phantom" rookie draft..keep up the good work

- Mark McLachlan (posted 25/11/2011 10:35:12 AM)

Great to see so many positive post,regarding a new draft picks.Lets hope we dont see too many "why didnt we get this player".Would hate to see another player go through what Hardingham went through.Although he did say it motivated him.The club picked up 3 great players,by the look of it.Congratulations Crameri.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 25/11/2011 10:49:32 AM)

Hope young Merrett has some of the "animal" in him that the great Roger J had, good luck young fella

- Mark McLachlan (posted 25/11/2011 1:12:18 PM)

We might be hearing a bit more about how we got our man. hmmmmm.

- Bill Carbis (posted 25/11/2011 3:50:36 PM)

A good sense of humour helps at times,good to see you still have yours Geoff .. he he... :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 25/11/2011 5:16:46 PM)

Welcome to it lads!!

- Duncan Eastey (posted 25/11/2011 6:43:29 PM)

Congratulations guys and all the best. I'm rapt that Crammers has been elevated to the seniors list. Very well deserved! Go Bombers!

- Joanne Wallis (posted 25/11/2011 7:57:43 PM)

kavanagh the new judd but a better kick both feet bring him on regards keith smith

- Keith Smith (posted 25/11/2011 9:27:58 PM)

Well done boys im so happy and proud

- Mark Reilly (posted 26/11/2011 9:53:32 AM)

A big big welcome to Elliott, Jackson and Nicholas. I hope you all do very well here at the Essendon footy club. get yourselves pumped up cause the next few years are gonna be rippers for this great club and you will be a part of it good luck to u all

- Jeff Skinner (posted 26/11/2011 10:53:07 AM)

Remember, Judd had shoulder issues and clubs were concerned..... What a hack he turned out to be!! Don't think we would have touched him if the hammy was a problem! Welcome boys!!

- Chris Litchfield (posted 26/11/2011 4:42:26 PM)

Need to get either Grenfell from Calder Cannons or Scott Lycett from Port Adelaide Magpies in the rookie draft. Then we get rid of Hille in another year.

- Wayne Higgins (posted 28/11/2011 4:07:55 PM)

Welcome to the club, mate. Hope you have a long, successful career as aBomber. Just looking at the video, Carlisle appears to have bulked up a fair bit, looking good. Kav and Merrett will need a bit of meat on them, but that will come in time. Can't wait to see them in action!

- Matt Pocock (posted 28/11/2011 5:46:06 PM)

Wayne H, Scott Lycett was drafted by West Coast in 2010 NatDraft. Would still be under contract. And "...get rid of Hille..."??? Not in my book! David has been loyal to the club and should not be expediently discarded. He might retire, he might even feel he has another year left and will undoubtably consult with the club re his future.

- Martin Gol (posted 28/11/2011 8:14:02 PM)

Undoubtedly, there is a mirror of difference between b and d.

- Martin Gol (posted 30/11/2011 9:19:21 PM)