November 22nd, 2003 signals D-Day for over 1000 young footballers, hopeful of fulfilling their dream and getting drafted by an AFL club. The 2003 National Draft is just under 10 days away and at this stage Essendon has three spots on its list to recruit new players. Since the introduction of the National Draft in 1986, the Bombers have selected over 100 players. Some players have been success stories and other players have faded into football obscurity. Over the next 10 days, the Engine Room will have a look at Essendon's drafting history.

1986

ESSENDON’S SELECTIONS:
Draft selection: 9, Andrew Payze from West Torrens. Played 0 matches with Essendon.
Draft selection: 22, Kieran Sporn from West Adelaide. Played 72 matches with Essendon.
Draft selection: 35, Peter Reid from Sturt. Played 0 matches with Essendon.
Draft selection: 48, Stephen Riley from North Adelaide. Played 0 matches with Essendon.
Draft selection: 61, Andrew Underwood from Sturt. Played 12 matches with Essendon.

NATIONAL DRAFT TOP 10:
1. Martin Leslie - Brisbane
2. Steven Sims – St.Kilda
3. Steven Febey - Melbourne
4. Richard Anderson - Richmond
5. Michael Taylor - Geelong
6. Richard Cousins - Footscray
7. Chris Lindsay – North Melbourne
8. Grant Fielke - Collingwood
9. Andrew Payze - Essendon
10. John Brinkkotter - Sydney

BOMBERS’ SUCCESS STORY:
Draft selection: 22, Kieran Sporn – Played 72 games from 1989 – 1993, including the 1990 premiership.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
Draft selection: 50, Alastair Lynch

1987:

ESSENDON’S SELECTIONS:
Draft selection: 6, Andrew Rogers from Woodville. Played 8 matches with Essendon.
Draft selection: 19, Jamie Cox from Wynyard. Played 0 matches with Essendon.
Draft selection: 32, John Cook from Hamilton Imperials. Played 0 matches with Essendon.
Draft selection: 45, David Grenvold from Glenelg. Played 112 matches with Essendon.
Draft selection: 58, Peter Bennett from North Adelaide. Played 0 matches with Essendon.

NATIONAL DRAFT TOP 10:
1. Richard Lounder - Richmond
2. Chris McDermott - Brisbane
3. Graham Wright -Collingwood
4. Andrew Brockhurst - Fitzroy
5. Michael Quirk – St.Kilda
6. Andrew Rogers - Essendon
7. Darren Davies - Footscray
8. Darren Jones – Geelong
9. Michael Murphy – North Melbourne
10. Michael Parsons - Sydney

BOMBERS’ SUCCESS STORY:
Draft selection: 45, David Grenvold – Played 112 games from 1989 to 1996, and was a member of the 1993 premiership.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
Selection 15 – Andrew Jarman