Tara Murray
New Essendon midfielder Elijah Tsatas wants to repay the faith that the Bombers have shown in him.
While there were plenty offers for the Bombers first pick, which ended up being pick five, the Bombers held onto it to select the Oakleigh Chargers star.
Speaking the day after the draft, Tsatas said that it was a dream come true.
“It’s unreal, I’ve always wanted to go to Essendon,” he said. “I’m super excited and so keen to get to work.
“It’s unbelievable, so many messages from players and fans, it’s overwhelming. It’s super exciting and I’m loving it so far.”
Tsatas said he had no idea where his fate lay heading into the draft. He said knowing that the Bombers kept their pick to take him was pretty special.
“I had no idea to be honest,” he said. “I’m super excited it fell this way and I’m so excited to get to work.
“Obviously its a big confidence boost in me knowing that the people and the club believe in me and my talent and football ability, it means a lot to me to hopefully show that on the field next year.”
Tsatas has already met new Bombers coach Brad Scott and they spoke about working on his strengths and working hard.
He has already set himself a target for next year.
“I’m hoping to play round one next year and give myself my best chance, work so hard and everyone at the club is sort of around that culture now, work hard and hopefully [play] round one,” he said.
“I think I compliment what they already have there, with that run, that speed and that power, compliment guys already there.
“That bigger body is what they’ve been searching for for a while, hopefully in a few pre-seasons I can be that inside midfielder.”
