Nigel Lockyer has been approved to train with Essendon, who is considering the mature-age NT Thunder prospect for the last remaining spot on its list.

Lockyear is a 190cm forward who can play in attack and defence, and has been working on improving his endurance.

He was invited to test at the NAB AFL State Draft Combine, having previously represented the Northern Territory in basketball. He was recruited to the NT Thunder from Rovers in the Central Australian Football League.