Essendon have conceded the decision not to match a bid for Next Generation Academy talent Adam Sweid on Wednesday night "was a tough one".
After trading selections to add to their hand of first-round selections earlier into the count, the Bombers put themselves in a weakened position to match a bid for Sweid when it came.
Essendon had managed to secure Sullivan Robey (Pick 9), Jacob Farrow (Pick 10) and Dyson Sharp (Pick 13) with those three first night selections, however a play from Fremantle for Sweid at 25th overall was an 'unfortunate' fallout.
The Bombers decided against matching a bid, as they only held Pick 36, seeing Sweid land at the Dockers after years developing his craft in the red and black.
The Calder Cannons midfielder-forward's venture west is a bittersweet one for Essendon, who are satisfied their NGA product has made it to the AFL.
Speaking on Wednesday night, Dons list manager Matt Rosa said it "would have been nice to see him in the red and black", but admitted a tough call had to be made.
"That was a tough one, because we really rate Adam," Rosa said.
"We're really proud of what he's done and that he's found his way on an AFL list. We're really proud of the program that we've put together and the part that we've played in Adam's journey.
"It would have been nice to see him in the red and black, but unfortunately it didn't work out that way."
The Bombers hold two selections heading into night two, with Pick 68 their other selection.
That pick holds no value in points, meaning a bid for NGA prospect Hussien El Achkar is also a watch on Thursday.
