Essendon have signed their first international AFL rookie, putting Irish teenager Michael Quinn on their list.

The 18-year-old trialled with the club late in the season and is the latest Irish youngster to attempt an AFL career.

He will be one of six rookie-listed players at Essendon and will start playing with VFL affiliate Bendigo next year to help his development.

"He is very athletic and we were impressed with his physical ability and good attitude," Essendon recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro said.

"Michael is very keen to learn and hungry to succeed so we think that gives him a good chance to play AFL football for Essendon.

"The big issue for him and all Irish recruits is his skill level, particularly his kicking, so we will need to put plenty of work into that area.

"Also, Gaelic football doesn't require the tackling skills that are so important in AFL so he will have to learn to lay a strong tackle and break tackles from opponents."

Quinn is from Killoe in County Longford and says he always wanted to play professional football.

"Maybe in another month or so I will have a better idea where I am at - I am starting at the beginning so it's difficult to tell," he said.

"I need to work up through the steps - first is work on ball use, skills and bulking up and then get into some good training sessions and practice matches.

"Then I can get into playing for the Bendigo Bombers and try and play consistently for them and work my way up."

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