All year the talented teen was viewed by experts as one of the top prospects in the 2021 crop and that was confirmed when Essendon took him with pick 13 on night one of the 2021 AFL Draft.

Seen as a ready-made inside midfielder Hobbs is a great addition to the Bombers' engine room.

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Speaking to The Wimmera Mail-Times on Thursday morning Hobbs was thrilled that the Bombers recruiting team selected him.

"It's an amazing feeling," Hobbs said.

"It's something I'm really grateful for and my family and I are so happy with it.

"I couldn't have asked for a better result to be honest."

Speculation was plentiful about where Hobbs would end up and the former Horsham Demon admitted he "probably was a bit surprised" to end up at the Bombers.

"There was probably a few clubs earlier that showed a bit more interest and I thought I'd probably be there," he said.

"But it worked out perfectly and I'm close to home and at a great club."

Although he grew up a Tigers supporter there was plenty of Essendon influence in Hobbs' childhood as his father and grandfather both support the Bombers.

"He was so happy," Hobbs said about his father's reaction to Essendon drafting him.

"My grandfather is an Essendon supporter as well, so it's really special."

Hobbs said the club was excited to have him on board and that he was set to meet Ben Rutten on Thursday.

"I think I'm going to his house later to meet him and for him to meet my parents," he said.

"They seem really excited and hopeful that I can slip straight in there and bring my strengths and really help the team.

"I feel like we're going to a good place."

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With preseason just around the corner, the former Rebel said he was "really looking forward" to getting out and proving himself on the track.

He has already met some of the Essendon squad after some paid him a visit on Wednesday night.

"Five or six (Essendon) players came to the event about ten minutes after my name was called so that was really special and made me feel at home," he said.

"I've had heaps of messages from the Essendon boys as well so it's been really good."

Hobbs selection is just reward for a terrific NAB League season for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels, of which he was co-captain.

After returning from injury, he averaged 31 disposals and a goal across a four-game span and finished third in the Adam Goodes Trophy for the Rebels best and fairest.

Essendon's list is in a good space after coming off an elimination final in 2021.

The addition of Hobbs to a midfield list that includes Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett and Dylan Shiel can only mean good things for the Bombers and their fans.

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