Essendon’s midfield stocks have been bolstered today with the Bombers selecting Jake Melksham with their first pick (No.10 overall) at the 2009 AFL National Draft.
Standing at 185cm and weighing 75kg, Melksham is a ball winner who is at his most influential at stoppages.
Essendon national recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro describes him as well balanced and says he's a player that rarely goes to ground in a contest.
He said the 18-year-old’s quick and creative handball skills will be a welcome addition to the Bombers’ midfield.
“We identified the need to improve our midfield and believe Melksham is the perfect fit with his explosive speed, great agility, and his ability to use the ball well on both sides of his body,” Dodoro said.
“We have been watching Melksham since he was 15-years of age and we are absolutely thrilled to get him at selection 10.”
Watch the full interview on Bomber.tv by clicking here.
An AIS-AFL Academy graduate, Melksham joins the Bombers from the Calder Cannons. He represented Vic Metro at the 2009 NAB AFL U18 Championships, during which he averaged 18 possessions per match and ranked second overall for Vic Metro for score assists and clearances (behind Tom Scully).
Dodoro said Melksham is in the mould of a young Jason Winderlich and believes he will play senior football next season.
“Knowing the kid and the way Knighter coaches the boys, I wouldn’t be surprised if he played next year,” Dodoro said.
“At the moment he is fit and healthy and if he makes it through the pre-season, I see no reason why he wouldn’t play next year.
“We want to continue to bring speed, agility, endurance and quick ball movement into our game and that is something Matthew Knights showed last season and I think Melksham will add to that.""
