Essendon has walked away from the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft with a significant haul of five youngsters added to their list for next season.
Equipped with three top-ten picks from the open draft as a result of a pick swap with Carlton, the Dons swooped in on mid-forward bull Sullivan Robey and dynamic half back Jacob Farrow with their first two selections, before SA Captain Dyson Sharp also found his way to the red and black minutes later.
On night two, the Bombers secured another defensive talent in Max Kondogiannis (pick No.36) from Carey Grammar and Oakleigh, before matching Richmond's bid to lock in NGA standout Hussien El Achkar at pick No.53.
It was difficult not to hear Robey’s name throughout 2025, with the 18-year-old cementing himself as one of the draft’s most significant ‘bolters’ since its inception.
Recruiters leaguewide tried to keep the 192cm mid-forward under wraps as a hidden gem over the last 12 months – as of September however, he was an Eastern Ranges Grand Final hero and a certified top 10 prospect with a game-breaking four goals on the big stage.
In addition to his strong frame as a lead-up forward, Robey’s increased exposure to the midfield in the back end of his top-age year (following a big growth spurt) highlighted his explosiveness as a clearance player. This was best shown in a 40-disposal, three-goal domination of the Western Jets in their Wildcard matchup.
Robey is also a passionate Bombers supporter who’s spoken openly of his desire to don the sash as attention has grown over his draft rise - he's seen as a ready-made prospect.
Speaking of ready-made Dons fans, Sharp is another who fits that billing to a tee.
The 187cm midfielder captained South Australia from early in his junior representative stints and led them manfully with a stellar National Championship run as a top-ager this year, racking up 27 disposals and five tackles per game over his four appearances.
One of the toughest operators in his draft class, Sharp’s contested work and his clean hands in traffic have made him arguably the standout inside player amongst the crop – set to add a key component to the Bombers’ midfield stocks.
Sharp grew up a mad Bombers supporter despite living in SA, inspired by his namesake Dyson Heppell – the same idol who presented him with his Dons guernsey in a wholesome on-stage moment.
WA’s finest product in this year’s pool, Farrow is a dynamic defender renowned for his rebound and raking left leg.
The 187cm half back has a glowing footy IQ and reads opposition forwards as well as any, capable of locking down direct opponents with his one-on-one strengths and being just as damaging with ball in hand.
He avoids pressure well with his agility and can win plenty of footy more broadly – he averaged 19 touches per game for WA in the Championships and held his own at senior level in three games with West Perth in the WAFL.
Recruiters are quick to compare him to flashy elite-level runners such as Hayden Young and Jordan Dawson with his slick distribution by foot.
NGA/James Hird Academy prospect Adam Sweid was bid on by Fremantle at pick No.25 - the Bombers opted not to match.
A rangy aerialist equipping plenty of speed to go with his size, Kondogiannis was earmarked by pundits and recruiters as a promising defender who can play on talls and smalls alike.
His athletic traits were clear to see at the Combine, clocking an impressive 6:26 time for the two-kilometre time trial and 2.94 seconds for the 20-metre sprint.
Precise kicking under pressure and courageous plays from dangerous areas of defence stood out during his top-age campaign, where he captained Carey Grammar and averaged nearly 19 touches per game for Vic Metro and the Oakleigh Chargers.
Kondogiannis was moved forward to good effect on occasion at Carey, but the majority of his footy has been played as a roaming third defender who can impact with his intercept game and pace when kickstarting attack from half back.
A standout from the Dons’ NGA/James Hird Academy program, El Achkar is a pure excitement machine.
The 171cm small forward took over games for the Dons’ affiliate Calder Cannons in a dynamic two-year Coates Talent League stint, slotting 47 goals from 26 appearances including an eye-catching six-goal haul against Sandringham this season.
With Vic Metro, El Achkar’s three goals against the Allies was another solid effort. In his debut with Essendon VFL on the road, he lifted his side with a quick burst of three goals after half-time.
El Achkar’s speed and natural goal sense makes him an enticing prospect alongside former JHA teammates in Kako and Nguyen.
The Dons' three draftees will officially begin pre-season training with the Club next Monday when the entire playing list is due back at the NEC Hangar.
