Gisborne’s Shane Clough and Williamstown CYMS’ Jordan Busuttil will make the transition into the Victorian Football League this season.
The pair were two of three new signings announced by Essendon last week, as it builds its squad for this year.
The trio’s signatures are confirmed as the Bombers officially returned to pre-season training last week.
Clough joins the VFL program as a former member of the club’s James Hird Academy and the Calder Cannons, where he’s trained with the Dons in periods across the last two seasons.
He played 11 senior games for Gisborne last season, including two finals.
Recruiting officer Darren Farrugia is pleased to have the 19-year-old on board this season, citing the constant growth of the club’s NGA pathways.
“Shane is a really versatile midfielder who can play anywhere, and we’re impressed with his development,” he said.
“After an unfortunate ACL injury in 2023, Shane’s shown great form since. He’s fit, tough, skilful, a good decision maker, and it’s great to see another EFC NGA product signed with our VFL.”
Busuttil joins from Williamstown CYMS in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, where he’s pieced together consistent form as a centre bounce staple in recent years.
Taking home consecutive club senior best and fairests in his last couple of seasons, Busuttil offers more grunt work in the Bombers’ growing midfield.
“Jordan’s a really strong player and he’ll add a nice element to our midfield depth,” Farrugia said.
“He featured in the best players for 13 out of the 18 games he played last year for Williamstown CYMS and a second straight best and fairest highlighted his quality.
“Jordan’s had a great pre-season thus far and we’re keen to have him locked in this year.”
Lachlan Hogan is the third signing announced having joined from the Bendigo Pioneers.
“Lachlan’s a tough, well built small defender with good skills and he’s fitted in really well this pre-season,” Farrugia said.
