Essendon has bolstered its emerging list with the acquisitions of Maggie Johnstone (pick No.10) and Nalu Brothwell (pick No.50) at the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft.

Having already secured Zoe Prowse at the trade table just a week prior (in exchange for pick No.13), the Dons were quick to pounce on the highly touted Johnstone with their sole first-round selection.

Renowned for her aerial prowess and strength over the ball, 18-year-old Johnstone has established herself as one of the best pure one-on-one players in the 2025 class.

Over 13 games with the GWV Rebels at Coates League level this season, Johnstone averaged 21 disposals per game and slotted 14 goals, showing capability both in the on-ball rotation and as a gamebreaker up forward.

Johnstone is no stranger to high-level footy, with top-age experience as young as the age of 16 for the Rebels and four games this year in the National Championships representing Vic Country.

Her sheer power at stoppages make the 171cm Johnstone a dangerous matchup pushing forward.

For Brothwell, a stellar 2025 season held development in spades, continually elevating to rise up draft estimations over the course of the season.

A 171cm forward, Brothwell’s contested marking and physical competitiveness make her a unique prospect as an often-undersized key forward, able to push up the ground and provide solid defensive pressure.

Brothwell averaged an impressive 15 disposals per game for Dandenong and slotted 13 goals in as many games for the campaign, with analysts impressed by her creativity in setting up teammates as well as hitting the scoreboard herself.

The 18-year-old joins identical twin Mizuki on an AFL list, her sister selected by the Bulldogs earlier in the evening.