With the first selection in the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Essendon has selected Jaxon Artemis.

Hailing from Western Australia, the 19-year-old has earned his AFL opportunity the hard way, being overlooked in both the 2024 and 2025 National Draft.

A Western Australian Under-18 state representative in 2024, Artemis was awarded WA’s MVP after averaging 15.5 disposals, 3 marks, 5.3 rebound 50s and 78% kicking efficiency across the national carnival.

Artemis has since spent time developing his game at WAFL level with South Fremantle where he won a premiership with their senior side before joining the Tasmanian Devils in the VFL for the 2026 season.

Standing at 182cm, Artemis has primarily featured across half-back for the Devils, where he has impressed with his pace, composure and ability to transition the ball from defence.

Across his VFL campaign so far, Artemis has averaged 19.2 disposals at 76.2 per cent efficiency, while also contributing 5.5 score involvements per game.

His most recent outing against Werribee was arguably his strongest performance of the season, with the rebounding defender collecting 27 disposals and kicking an impressive goal.

Artemis will be joining current Essendon players, Nic Martin, Archer May, Thomas Edwards and Lachlan Blakiston as former WAFL products that were not drafted in their initial draft year.

Excited to bring across another Western Australian product, National Recruiting Manager Rob Forster-Knight was bullish on what the speedy half-back could bring to Essendon.

“We’re stoked to be able to acquire Jaxon tonight.” Forster-Knight said.

“He has shown great resilience and fortitude after not being taken in two national drafts, which is a testament to his character and internal belief.”

“We are sure he will come into the club and make an impact; he has been a strong performer down at Tassie (VFL).”