Nick Martin and Tex Wanganeen have been handed the final two spots on the Essendon Bombers list for the 2022 AFL season.
Wanganeen has been training with Essendon since December, while Martin joined the club on a training deal in January. Following impressive pre-seasons and an impressive performance in Wednesday's practice match against the Western Bulldogs, the club have decided to hand them Rookie List A deals for 2022 under the pre-season supplemental selection period.
Essendon has signed Tex Wanganeen and Nick Martin as rookies after today’s practice game against the Bulldogs. They fill the club’s final list spots. @AFLcomau
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) February 23, 2022
Wanganeen is a famous last night at the Bombers, with father Gavin playing for the club. Tex has come out of the club's junior academy.
Gavin played for the Bombers between 1991 and 1996, kicking 64 goals in 127 in a career which also saw him make 173 appearances for Port Adelaide.
Tex played for Xavier College during his time in school.
Martin, on the other hand, relocated from Perth after playing in the WAFL with Subiaco. He spent time with the West Coast Eagles' training squad last pre-season before being cut.
The club's general manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said in a statement that the club were thrilled with the duo joining the rookie list.
“Both Tex and Nick have earned the opportunity to fill the remaining spots on our list and we’re thrilled to have secured their services through the SSP,” Dodoro said.
“Despite a COVID-impacted two years at Xavier College plying his trade on the football field, Tex has impressed with his natural athleticism and pace, and he was able to showcase that in an intraclub match at the NEC Hangar last week.
“Tex is a product of our James Hird Academy and it is a credit to our wider list management team and the program’s purpose to continue aiding the development of these young players.
“In his short time with the club, Nick has displayed hunger, professionalism and dedication to take his game to another level and seize the opportunity in front of him.
“With Nick’s experience and natural goalkicking abilities, we see him evolving into a high half-forward/wing position which will complement our existing forward line.”
“Both Tex and Nick’s signings are fantastic stories in their own right, so we’re looking forward to seeing both men continue to improve in 2022.”
Martin and Wanganeen were fighting for the two list spots against Northern Territory prospect Ronald Fejo jnr.
