Carroll has been joined by Tom German (Calder Cannons), Christian Bock (Woodville-West Torrens) and Kade Klemke (Murray Bushrangers). Selection was a huge relief for all four players and for Carroll the conversations with Hird had a telling influence, according to Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro.
“He was disappointed to have missed out in the National Draft so he found a way to get in touch with James and have a chat about what he needed to do to give himself a chance in the rookie draft,” Dodoro said.
“His engine was the query at draft camp but after having a chat with James and thinking about where he needed to improve he took 40 seconds of his three kilometre time trial time in the weeks following the draft camp. That removed any doubt for us.”
Dodoro was pleasantly surprised by the way the rookie draft unfolded. “The first three selections were the ones that we targeted – so it was an unusual pre-season draft from that respect. Long-term we hope the selections boost our midfield and ruck stocks,” Dodoro said.
Dodoro made the following comments on each of the new Bomber players.
Bryce Carroll (Western Jets), 18yo, 184cm
“Bryce is a utility player – half-back, wing, half forward and we hope he will eventually progress into the midfield. He has very good goal sense, awareness and is a very well-balanced footballer.
“He had a fairly consistent year with the Western Jets even though he didn’t do a pre-season. He missed out in the National Draft and has consequently sought some advice from James Hird. As a result his endurance levels have really improved.
“His 3km time trial improved by 40 seconds after the draft camp which shows he has the appetite to make it and an engine which was the query at draft camp.”
“He is the nephew of North Melbourne player Peter German. His father Craig is also a former under 19s player at Essendon so he has good pedigree.”
“As a 17-year-old last year he had an exceptional year but wasn’t eligible to be drafted. He played in the premiership side with Calder that year in what was a very strong team.
“Unfortunately this year he sustained a hamstring injury that took a long while for him to get right and it cost him half a season and selection in the Victorian under 18 team. He is a high possession winner with a sensational attitude and desire to make it.”
Christian Bock (Woodville-West Torrens) 18yo, 205cm
“He is the brother of Nathan Bock from Adelaide and a lot taller. He is a long-term prospect – he might take another two or three years. He is extremely light but has good endurance for someone so tall.
“He wasn’t exposed much this season due to a shoulder injury otherwise would have played for S.A. Under 18s and probably would have gone in the National Draft.
“Given Western Sydney and the Gold Coast are coming in, we were prepared to take a long-term view with this kid. For a guy his height he gets around the ground well, has good endurance and ruck technique. He will benefit from working with Simon Madden.”
“Kade was captain of the Murray Bushrangers, a NSW Under 18 representative and an All Australian selection.
“He is a half-back / midfielder who is very hard at the contest. He has exceptional character and reminds me a bit of a young Mark Johnson who also came via our rookie list.
“He had some injury concerns during the season but is now back and fully fit. We liked the way he handled himself given the injury problems. He wins the contested ball and with his will and desire he will give himself every chance to make it at the elite level.”
