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ESSENDON'S first No.1 pick Andrew McGrath reminds veteran Bombers recruiter Adrian Dodoro of the club's 1993 Brownlow medallist Gavin Wanganeen with his agility.

Wanganeen is a revered Essendon champion having played in a premiership in 127 games with the club before returning to Port Adelaide to play in another flag. 

Known as 'The Rubberman' during his career, Wanganeen was flexible enough to evade trouble and had a fearless approach. 

Dodoro said McGrath, who was born in Canada and lived there until he was five, was the perfect modern day player and he didn't hesitate in making the comparison. 

"His agility is Gavin Wanganeen-like. He turns the game sideways [and] upside down. He changes the direction of the game," Dodoro said. 

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Having sweated on the decision for months, Dodoro was rapt to take McGrath after considering Will Setterfield who was the first player to earn a bid at pick No.5 and Hugh McCluggage who Brisbane picked at No.3.

He said the other two players were very impressive but he considered McGrath the right choice for Essendon with the youngster only finding out for certain he was going to Essendon when his name was called around 7pm.

"Your forwards just love guys that can set things up in the midfield and he can do that and his work rate, professionalism and leadership [is first class]," Dodoro said. 

McGrath won plaudits when he shut down pick No.4 Ben Ainsworth after the Vic Country forward kicked four goals in a quarter. McGrath, who was playing with Vic Metro, was able to quell him and turn the game. 

However Dodoro recalled a game McGrath played in the midfield against Calder Cannons early in the season as extraordinary.

He said his height was not a concern as he was exceptional in the air and on the ground.

"He'll lap it up. We're pretty confident he will be OK," Dodoro said.

If he is half as good as Wanganeen, who finished his career on 300 games, he will be a champion.

Selection No. 1 – Andrew McGrath
Adrian Dodoro says: Every time he plays he steps up. He gets better as the games go on. His last quarters are stronger than his first quarters and that is quite extraordinary in itself. He's a pro who can play multiple positions. He can be such an attacking player but he values defence which is a great balance for a modern-day midfielder.

Selection No.22 – Jordan Ridley
Adrian Dodoro says: We identified him as having a lot of upside. We might have to put him in the paddock and develop him as a bit of slow burn. He is a very, very good forward who can play defence but our gut feeling is that he will turn into a tall mid. 

Selection No 31 – Josh Begley
Adrian Dodoro says: He has got ability. He kicks the ball well on both sides of his body. He is a natural goalkicker who crept into the midfield and impressed. His endurance is really good. 

Selection No 41 – Kobe Mutch
Adrian Dodoro says: We wanted to walk out with a couple of natural midfielders who finds the footy and he does find the footy. He finds the ball 28 times a week, uses it well and he laps up the work. We wanted to start building our midfield. 

Selection No 63 – Dylan Clarke
Adrian Dodoro says: Another All Australian player who is close mates with Andy McGrath. Another big-bodied midfielder with grit.