Essendon keen to lure young rugby union star Jack Debreczeni to AFL

AFL club Essendon is trying to poach one of the hottest young prospects in Australian rugby in a bid to turn its fortunes around next season.

Jack Debreczeni

AFL club Essendon is trying to poach one of the hottest young prospects in Australian rugby in a bid to turn its fortunes around next season following the drugs scandal.

The Bombers, kicked out of this year's finals after being found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute, are attempting to lure 20-year-old playmaker Jack Debreczeni to Aussie rules.

Debreczeni, who this year represented Australia's under-20s side at the IRB Junior World Cup, is one of the most promising young five-eighths in the country.

He was thrust from Colts straight into first grade this year and led West Harbour to a surprise fifth place in the Shute Shield.

Debreczeni is tipped as a rugby star of the future given his combination of height, speed, strength, kicking and passing game.

While Debreczeni did not wish to comment on the approach, Essendon's interest in him was a hot topic in club rugby circles this week.

It's understood Debreczeni will meet with Essendon officials in coming days, while at the same time conducting a trial with Super Rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels, who are keen on luring the youngster for the 2014 season.

The Brumbies are also interested in signing the in-demand Debreczeni.

Essendon, who have lost their first and second draft picks for next season as part of the punishment handed down by the AFL this week, are scouring rugby to bolster their squad ranks.

Already 193cm and still growing, rangy No.10 Debreczeni has all the skills to be a potential hit in the AFL.

He has great hands, a sizable and accurate boot, and has impressed coaches with his stamina.

His size also makes Debreczeni a handful in contact, as he often gets offloads and round-the-back passes away while being tackled.

West Harbour first grade coach Matt Briggs said it would be a shame if rugby lost such a promising talent.

"I hope he can stay in the game, because he could develop into something very special," Briggs said.

"He is six foot four and growing, and by the time he fills out he will be 100kg."

AFL clubs are allowed to contract three players from rival codes or foreign leagues each year as part of a development policy, but this dispensation is now particularly valuable to the Bombers given their draft restrictions.

Essendon was fined $2 million and their coach James Hird suspended for 12 months following an investigation by ASADA.

ASADA's investigations into Essendon have not finished, and it is possible there may be further action against players for next season.

Debreczeni also played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 2011, following in the footsteps of fellow Trinity Grammar schoolmate Scott Sio (2009), who has now become a Wallaby.

His brilliant 80-metre solo try against Parramatta in the Shute Shield this year was indicative of his ability, while he was a key figure in West Harbour's miraculous round 10 win over Southern Districts when they trailed 26-8 in the second half.