NEW Essendon coach Matthew Knights yesterday predicted a quiet trade period for his club, saying it would not use up valuable draft picks.

The Bombers have picks six, 23, 39 in the early rounds of the draft and could attract more picks, with several clubs yesterday showing interest in Kepler Bradley and premiership defender Mark Johnson on the opening day of the trade period.

"We will take our picks, there is no question about that," Knights said. "We thought our draft last year was fantastic and we are going to look to add another three, four, five terrific young players to our list and look to inject them into our team."

The Bombers did claim Darcy Daniher, a son of former defender Anthony Daniher, who became one of the first players selected under the league's new father-son bidding system.

Under the system, rival clubs can offer a draft pick for the youngster and the father's club must use its next draft selection to secure him.

The Bombers will use their third-round selection, No. 39, to take Daniher at the national draft.

They were forced to use a higher draft pick after the Kangaroos made a bid for Daniher with their second-round pick.

Collingwood will use its last selection in the draft to secure Jaxson Barham, son of Ricky, and Geelong's final selection will be used on Adam Donohue, son of former full-forward Larry.

Darcy Daniher, whose uncles Neale, Terry and Chris all played for Essendon, chose the Bombers so he could stay close to home. He has also developed a relationship with Knights. "It feels great to play for the club that I barracked for as a kid," he said. "It is always good to play at the club where my Dad played but I am going to have to make my own name."

Anthony said the entire family, including grandparents and uncles, were overjoyed that Darcy would continue the family name at Windy Hill.

"There have been a few tears. It's just nice, it keeps the name going, it's just exciting," Anthony said.

Darcy is hopeful of playing senior football next year but admitted it still could be a long way off.

Knights said: "Darcy understands the development scenario and the Bendigo Bombers scenario. We are going to put every resource into that but I won't be putting a cap or a lid on what I think Darcy can or can't do."