New rookie Adrian Wilson has football in his genes. His cousin Michael O'Loughlin is a star player for the Sydney Swans and his father Wilbur played 170 games for Central Districts in the SANFL. Wilson has played football since he was 10 and also played a lot of competition basketball until focussing full-time on football. Wilson made the move over from Adelaide earlier this month after Essendon drafted him onto its Rookie list and he is living with fellow rookie Courtney Johns. ""It was hard to make the move at the start because I have no family in Melbourne, but now I am here it is fine,"" Wilson said.

Wilson nominated for the 2002 National draft, but to his disappointment was not picked up by anyone. With this news, he decided to focus on getting a league game in the SANFL with Central Districts. ""I had no idea they (Essendon) were going to draft me in the rookie draft. They spoke to me before the National draft, but I didn't get picked up, so it was a bit of a surprise when the drafted me as a rookie. I was a bit disappointed I wasn't drafted in the National draft and I thought that was pretty much it,"" Wilson said. The 18-year-old was on the road to Darwin when he got the news he had been rookie listed by the Bombers. His sister rang him to tell him the good news. ""I was really surprised and didn't think she was serious. I spoke to Adrian (Dodoro) when I got to Alice Springs and he confirmed everything.""

Wilson had been doing pre season training with Central Districts before arriving at Essendon on Monday, January 13th to commence training with his new club. ""The training is a different level here. It has been pretty full-on and tough. At the moment I am doing everything with the rest of the team and a few more running drills,"" Wilson said. Wilson has predominantly played in the forward line and the mid-field, so he is aware he needs to get his fitness right and is focussed on improving his endurance and overall fitness levels.

Wilson has barracked for Hawthorn all his life, but is more than happy to change his allegiance to his new club. ""I spoke to Michael Long in Darwin because he is a friend of my dad's and he told me what a great club Essendon is, so I was rapt that they rookied me,"" Wilson said. Wilson said in the short time he has been at the club it has exceeded his expectations already. ""I didn't know really what to expect, but it is much better than what I thought. The facilities are fantastic.""

Wilson participated in a sports trainee program in Adelaide last year and isn't exactly sure what he will do away from football. At the moment he is content to focus on his footy and determined to achieve his goal of making the senior list next season. ""I want to get really fit, so I can play better and get the best out of myself,"" Wilson said.