Essendon's top two selections from the 2009 AFL National Draft - Jake Melksham (pick No.10) and Jake Carlisle (Pick No.24) - have begun their induction program at Windy Hill and Bomber.tv was there to greet them.
The two 18-year-old Jakes were introduced to the players and staff, attended a morning training session, sat in on a staff meeting and had a media briefing as part of their first day at the club.
Bomber.tv asked the Calder Cannons premiership team-mates to rate each others strengths and Melksham said Carlisle is a player that will benefit from being in an AFL system.
""He (Carlisle) has big hands and takes a good mark, good leap and nice reach about him. He is a really good pack mark and is a nice kick for his size. I think he has a lot to his game and room for improvement as well,"" Melksham said.
""He has only been at the Cannons for probably 12 months so this year was his break through year and he really shone.""
The respect is mutual with 197cm Carlisle saying Melksham was able to dominate in the midfield on the big stage.
""He (Melksham) had a best on ground performance in the (TAC Cup) grand final. He is pretty quick, he's got the speed and agility and all the attributes of a young footballer,"" Carlisle said.
""He has a good head on his shoulders, leads from the front and he is a good bloke to have around the club.""
To see exclusive behind-the-scenes action from the 2009 National Draft including the first interview with Melksham click here.
Melksham says he has his eye on an early senior debut but Carlisle - who has played cricket on Windy Hill - wants to start training before setting any goals.
""It still hasn't really sunk in that I have been drafted by an AFL club, by Essendon but I am pretty stoked to be here, I can't complain,"" Carlisle said.
