Macca Hallows invited to train with Essendon over the pre-season

He had his first training session with the Bombers on Monday.

Hallows, 19, admitted he was more than a little surprised when he received a phone call from Brent Stanton who was appointed coach in October.

"It's pretty exciting and it all happened fairly quickly," Hallows said.

"I was already thinking of relocating to Melbourne early in the new year to study teaching and explore any VFL opportunities.

"Brent invited me to train and said the club was keen to see what I had to offer.

"He didn't have to ask me twice.

"So I will just have a crack over the pre-season and see where it leads to."

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Stanton was linked to the vacant coaching position at Lavington before signing with the Bombers.

Hallows played nine matches with the Murray Bushrangers this season.

He also managed seven matches with the Panthers.

"I was fairly happy with my form with the Bushrangers and was probably playing my best footy late in the season," he said.

"I started off in the midfield but got switched to half-back after two of my best mates in Paddy Parnell and Dan Turner got drafted mid-season.

"That's probably when I found my best form."

Hallows made his senior debut for the Panthers in 2018 as a 15-year-old.

The talented teenager made the most of his opportunity and also played in the Panthers' upset grand final victory over Wangaratta in 2019.

If picked-up by the Bombers, Hallows could face two of his premiership team-mates in Shaun Mannagh and Aidan Johnson who are at Werribee.

"If I don't get picked-up, I will probably drive back from Melbourne each weekend to play for Lavington," he said.

"Time will tell I guess."

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