Bubbly Essendon recruit Irving Mosquito says he wants to forge his own path in the AFL rather than simply following in the footsteps of those before him.

Asked on Monday about his similarities with retired Hawthorn superstar Cyril Rioli, Mosquito’s reply was clear.

“I just play like myself – just Irving Mosquito,” he said.

Mosquito was a member of the Hawks’ Next Generation Academy, but when they failed to match the bid Essendon placed on the speedy forward on Friday he became a Bomber.

Watch Irving Mosquito's highlights

Despite some confusion over the bidding system, the lifelong Essendon supporter certainly had no complaints about ending up at the club he has always loved.

“It’s a great dream come true, I’m pretty happy and surprised and I can’t wait to get to work. 

“It was a bit confusing at the end, but then I saw ended up at Essendon. It’s a good club, I go for the club.”

Mosquito’s love extends to fellow forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and the pair have already begun to build what could become a fearsome partnership in the side’s dangerous forward line.

“He’s one of my favourite players, I love him and I love how he goes about footy.

“I had a chat to him this morning when I came in and I was pretty impressed, he had a big smile.”

Mosquito is excited to add to the club’s rich indigenous history having been inspired by many greats of Essendon including club legend Michael Long, who was recently immortalised with a powerful bronze statue at the entrance to The Hangar.

“Seeing the big statue of Longy out the front made me smile,” he said.

The 18-year-old’s smile has become a familiar sight at the club this week and Mosquito says he is raring to get into his new life as an AFL footballer.

“(I’m) ready to get going, I’m just keen for the pre-season and just excited to be here.”

After moving to Gippsland from Halls Creek in the remote Kimberley region of West Australia at just 12 years of age, Mosquito says he is more than comfortable with moving on to Melbourne, even if the mercury does get a little low.

“Moving away from WA was pretty big, but now I’m just used to it so it’s not bad.

“It’s just a way different lifestyle (in Melbourne). It’s pretty cool, but sometimes pretty cold.”