Essendon has had some excellent success since the advent of the rookie list with a number of players having made the transition to senior level.

Among those currently playing at Essendon who have come off the rookie list are Dean Rioli, Mark Johnson, Gary Moorcroft and Cory McGrath.

And so the Bombers hope the trend can continue with their latest two rookies - Marcus Kenny and Damien Peverill.

Kenny played with the Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup competition last season and also played centre half-forward for the Vic Metro side in the National Under 18 Championships.

A tall, athletic, key position player, Kenny was also a member of the AIS Academy Squad in 1999.

"We basically treat the rookie draft as an extension of the National Draft and we selected what we believe was the next best tall still available," Essendon recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro said.

"He is a long-term project but he has the size to play key position up forward or down back."

The Bombers also selected Damien Peverill, a 20-year-old who play with the VFL side last year as a supplementary list player.

"He had a very good season for us and finished runner-up in the best and fairest. He certainly deserves his chance," Dodoro said.

"He is one of the fittest blokes at the club and everyone has been very impressed by his work ethic."