ESSENDON recruit Matt Dea insists he has much to offer at the elite level after he was offered a second chance by the Bombers last week.

The former Richmond defender played 31 games for the Tigers after being drafted in 2009 but was delisted at the end of the 2015 season.

The 24-year-old failed to play a senior game last year but won the Tigers' VFL best and fairest, averaging 20 possessions a game.

"I feel like I was playing some good footy last year, it was unfortunate to be let go by the Tigers," he told essendonfc.com.au.

"I definitely feel I’ve got a lot to offer, and I’m keen to keep that going here.

"I’ll just be putting my best foot forward and trying to get around the boys as much as I can and just be ready to go"

Dea had signed to play VFL football with Williamstown this year and so believed he had a decent fitness base on which to build into the NAB Challenge.

"I’ve still got a bit of catching up to do, but the body’s got a good platform to go from," he said.

"I’ll just be putting my best foot forward and trying to get around the boys as much as I can and just be ready to go."