Essendon will turn to young wicketkeeper Donovan Toohey after Isaac Conway departed

Isaac Conway has left Premier Cricket preliminary finalists Essendon is the search for more batting opportunity with the Bombers confident a rising star is ready to step straight in.

Isaac Conway appeals for a wicket last season.

Essendon will turn to Vic Metro under-19 wicketkeeper Donovan Toohey this summer after Isaac Conway crossed to Camberwell Magpies.

Conway is believed to be chasing more opportunity with the bat after being stuck behind the Bombers’ record-breaking top order this season.

Essendon coach Mitch Johnstone was disappointed to lose Conway but excited about the opportunity to bring in a rising star.

“We felt having played the last two years, been invested in, he was ready to flourish for us,” he said.

“He’s a pretty ambitious kid and he’s seeking batting opportunities that we couldn’t guarantee with Ayre, Hill and Seymour and others.

Isaac Conway in action for Essendon. Picture: Hamish Blair

“We understand the decision from that aspect but how the process from Isaac played out was a little disappointing.

“There’s a silver lining. Donovan Toohey, who’s a Vic Metro under-19 rep, comes in and gets an opportunity.”

Conway finished 2018-19 with 219 runs at 21.9 with a top score of 57 having come to the crease at No. 6 or later for the majority of the season.

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Toohey played 18 games in the Second XI last season, making 381 runs at 29.3 and added 177 runs in seven games for Vic Metro at the Cricket Australia Under-19 National Championships with two half-centuries.

Aaron Shellie is Essendon’s biggest loss this off-season after the reliable middle-order batsman returned to Coburg as captain-coach.

Connor Rutland will get an opportunity to cement his place in the First XI after splitting his time between Firsts and Seconds last season.

Connor Rutland in action for Essendon. Picture: Hamish Blair

Johnstone was excited about the young talent developing at Windy Hill.

“Connor’s going to be an important part of what we’re doing, certainly now is his chance to lock his spot away,” he said.

“We’ve got a ready-made First XI keeper in Donovan and some younger keepers that we’ve got across to the club who will get an opportunity as well.

“We’ve got some young players we’re really excited about that will start in our lower grades that have Vic under-17, under-19 trial aspirations.

“Having won the club championship last season obviously means the list underneath is strong, we’ve just got to provide opportunities for young kids to come through.”

Essendon’s pre-season is set to kick off on July 24.