Essendon today helped finalise a complex four club deal that will see Hawthorn Premiership player Mark Williams join the Bombers for the 2010 season.
The Bombers have traded pick No.16 - the selection it received for Andrew Lovett – to Port Adelaide, Pick No. 42 (Geelong) and Jay Nash (Port Adelaide) and acquired Mark Williams (Hawthorn), Pick No. 24 (Port Adelaide) and pick No.33 (Geelong).
“The reality is, this week we have assisted Andrew Lovett to find a new home and, in return, we have gained Mark Williams and two second round draft picks,” Coach Matthew Knights said.
“We are extremely happy with the outcome of this trade deal and think it will deliver excellent short and long-term benefits for the football club
“One of our priorities heading into the trade and draft period was to recruit a quality small/medium forward and we now have our man.”
Knights said that Williams, 26, is a proven big game player.
“We wanted an x-factor forward who could fill a number of roles and Mark Williams is just that player. He kicked three goals in the 2008 Grand Final and five goals in the preliminary final so he can deliver on the big stage.
“He is a great kick at goal and has recovered from the knee injury that hampered him this year. He will be a very exciting addition to our forward line and, importantly, he was very keen to come to Windy Hill.”
Knights said not only had the club picked up Williams but had significantly improved its position in the 2009 NAB National Draft.
He said Essendon now has one first round selection (pick No.10) and three second round selections (picks No. 24, 26 and 33) and was not expecting to use any other picks at the draft.
“We have picked up Mark Williams and significantly improved our position in the the last uncompromised draft at the same time. We now have four picks inside the first 33 selections and are very excited about this opportunity,” Knights said.
“Our recruiters are very confident of picking up some high quality footballers. We are staying the course that we started two years ago in bringing in young players and developing a group that will grow together.”
Knights said he was also very pleased that the club was able to find a new home for Jay Nash.
“Jay now gets the chance for a fresh start in his home town and we wish him all the best and thank him for his time at Windy Hill,” he said.
Media Note: Essendon is expected to announce any delistings in the next few days.