Delisted Hawthorn striker Emerson Jeka has been announced as the third AFL recruit for Essendon’s VFL side for the 2024 season.
The addition of the 22-year-old sees the Bombers add to the roster Their recent signings, former Adelaide midfielder Jackson Hatily and former West Coast player Xavier O’Neill.
An Altona product, Jeka played seven games at AFL level in four years with Hawthorn, making his debut in 2021 and playing four games the following year before being unused in the squad by Sam Mitchell this season before.
Jeka would play 33 games for Box Hill during his time in the maroon and gold, scoring 37 goals in a VFL career that saw him deployed at both ends of the field.
On Tuesday, Essendon revealed Jeka as its first VFL recruit, with the 197cm swingman expressing his delight at joining the Dons.
“I will have the opportunity to play my best football at Essendon and I am really excited to be part of what they bring to the VFL programme,” Jeka said in a club statement set.

“I’ve been to the NEC Hangar a few times, so I feel pretty familiar with the place and I’m really excited to use the facilities at my disposal.

“The club wants to drive high standards and make everyone better, and I think that’s going to allow me to get the best version of myself.”

Jeka’s move to Tullamarine sees him reunite with former Hawks teammate Tom Phillips, who signed with the Bombers’ reserves ahead of the 2023 season.

Essendon’s VFL side will be led by coach Blake Caracella this year after the departure of Leigh Tudor.

The Bombers recorded five wins this year to finish 17th on the VFL ladder.