Essendon has improved its second-round draft position, facilitating a pick swap with Geelong in its first deal of the 2019 Telstra AFL Trade Period.

As part of the overall trade that saw Tim Kelly depart Geelong for West Coast, the Bombers have acquired pick 33 from Geelong in exchange for pick 37. The Bombers also traded their third-round selection from 52 to 57 with the Eagles. 

General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said the club’s involvement in the trade was to boost its second-round position in November's national draft.

“We have acquired pick 33 from Geelong to improve our draft selection for the upcoming national draft,” Dodoro said.

“This swap of picks also improves our overall points position."

The Telstra AFL Trade Period ends on Wednesday, October 16, with Dodoro this week signalling the club's desire to strengthen its midfield and ruck stocks.

“We’ve got a number of areas that we would like to bolster.

“We’d like to come out with a midfielder, obviously, and some ruck support for Tommy (Bellchambers) and Sammy Draper would be nice as well.”

This news is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's official recruitment and list management partner.