After touring Essendon's training ground at Tullamarine last week and getting a look at their facilities, number one draft pick Andrew McGrath knew he wanted to be a Bomber.
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But he said the club did not give him or any other draft prospects any assurances ahead of Friday night's selection.
McGrath was overcome with nerves until his name was called.
The versatile defender and midfielder co-captained Vic Metro Under-18s this year and will form part of Essendon's rebuild in 2017.
"Essendon held their cards pretty close to their chest. I don't think any of the boys really knew what the order was going to look like and who was going to go at that coveted number one pick," he told his new club's website.
"I was shaking, really nervous, then when my name was called it was just a massive relief."
McGrath said he had spoken to Essendon staff a few times throughout the year and met some of their key personnel at Tullamarine last week.
"After that day I guess I just wanted to play for Essendon. I loved every minute of it, I loved the facilities, love the people," he said.
McGrath said he was most looking forward to meeting his new teammates, including vice-captain Dyson Heppell and promising youngster Zach Merrett.
He said he had played all over the ground in 2016 and would be happy to fit into the side wherever there was room for him.
"It's such a big club with a really rich history and I just can't wait to be a part of all that," he said.
