Dons take intercepting defender on night two.
Essendon has pounced on 190cm talent Max Kondogiannis with pick No.36 in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft.
A rangy aerialist equipping plenty of speed to go with his size, Kondogiannis has been earmarked by pundits and recruiters as a promising defender who can play on talls and smalls alike.
His athletic traits were clear to see at the Combine, clocking an impressive 6:26 time for the two-kilometre time trial and 2.94 seconds for the 20-metre sprint.
Precise kicking under pressure and courageous plays from dangerous areas of defence stood out during his top-age campaign, where he captained Carey Grammar and averaged nearly 19 touches per game for Vic Metro and the Oakleigh Chargers.
Kondogiannis was moved forward to good effect on occasion at Carey, but the majority of his footy has been played as a roaming third defender who can impact with his intercept game and pace when kickstarting attack from half back.
The 18-year-old joins fellow draftees Sullivan Robey, Jacob Farrow and Dyson Sharp in the Club’s class of 2025.