Essendon will have five rookies in season 2005 with Ryan Bain (Oakleigh Chargers) and Ben Jolley (Calder Cannons) being selected in today's rookie draft. Bain and Jolley join Nathan Lovett-Murray, Andrew Lovett and Adrian Wilson on the rookie list.

Bain was taken at selection 11 by the Bombers. He is a midfielder with good pace and an ability to kick goals. Jolley is also a midfielder who wins a lot of the football. He was captain of the Calder Cannons and was also captain of the Vic Metro team at the under 18 championships.