Essendon recruit Xavier Duursma has revealed one of the key reasons why he sought a move to the Bombers from Port Adelaide during the trade period, as well as discussed his nagging injury history and preferred playing position under new coach Brad Scott.

Duursma departed Alberton for Tullamarine as part of an exchange agreement that saw wantaway Bomber Brandon Zerk-Thatcher become a Power player at the trade deadline.

The 23-year-old Duursma played 16 senior games in 2023; the most appearances he has made in a season since his 20-game debut campaign in 2019, after ailments limited his playing time through the 2021-22 seasons.

"It's a bit of a tough one," Duursma said via SEN. "I've had a few struggles in terms of my body in the last few years.

"I've had two serious knee injuries that have taken me out for at least half the season, I've had some issues as well with some of my shoulder and other small niggles as well.

"That has not really given me a good enough chance to really perform as well as I'd like and as probably as well as the club would have probably liked me to as well.

"I think I just got a little bit unlucky in that regard."

The wingman addressed media speculation about his preferred position, stating his ideal spot is on a flank as opposed to a true inside ball-winner.

"To be honest, I've seen a fair bit of this stuff come out around as well in the media (about playing as an inside midfielder)," Duursma continued.

"I'd like to be able to say that I'm a winger first and foremost. That's where I've been playing the majority [of my career].

"90 to 95 per cent of my time at AFL level has been played on the wing. I know that role quite well and I feel like I can really help the Bombers in that regard, playing out there on the wing with the way that they play.

"I think I can bring my skill set and help do that out there. But at the same time, I don't think there's anything off the table; [I'm] able to go and do other roles for the Bombers as well if that's what's required of me.

"But, my number one position where I think I'll be starting and what it looks like is I'll be playing wing."

The former Power speedster discussed the privileged opportunity to play in front of large crowds, noting that the Bombers being drawcards in marquee matchups -- such as ANZAC Day and Dreamtime at the 'G -- was a "massive factor" in his decision to request a move to the Hangar.

"I'd be lying if I said it's not a massive factor," Duursma said.

"I think that's really awesome and part of the reason that I chose Essendon as a place that I'd like to be able to play.

"I think it's an amazing opportunity to be able to play in some of the biggest games that Australian football gets to hold.

"I think Anzac Day and Dreamtime at the 'G is just an amazing opportunity and I'm so excited to be able to potentially be a part of that.

"If I'm lucky enough to be out there playing in any of those games, it'll be probably the biggest crowd that I've ever played in front of.

"I'm already itching to get out there."