The Sandhurst and Bendigo Pioneers product has moved to Melbourne where he's committed to do a pre-season with Essendon's VFL squad - that's if his name is not read out in the AFL National Draft or the AFL Rookie Draft.

"I'm still holding on to a little bit of hope, but to be honest I haven't had much interest (from AFL clubs),'' Conforti said.

"You never know, AFL clubs hold their cards close to their chest, but it would be unbelievable if I could end up there (in the AFL).

"As it stands at the moment, my plans are around playing for Essendon in the VFL."

The VFL Bombers are very keen to have Conforti after the left-footer impressed in six games for the club in 2021.

Conforti won the best first-year player award, was voted the fans MVP and was ninth in the club best and fairest.

"It was good to get some reward for the hard work,'' he said.

"After missing footy last year I loved the chance to play there (Essendon).

"VFL footy is a little bit quicker because you get the chance to play against players that are on AFL lists. It was a great experience."

Conforti had hoped to finish the season by playing two more games for the Pioneers in early October, but the NAB League season was officially put to bed early last week.

"It was hard holding on to that hope that we might get started again,'' he said.

"Trying to stay fit and motivated during lockdowns can wear you down a bit at times and I started to find it challenging at the end.

"It's disappointing because it marks the end of my time with the Pioneers. I loved every bit of my time with the club and I'll miss not going out to Epsom to train with the boys.

"It's a bit of mixed emotions because I'm also looking forward to what comes next."

Pioneers' coach Danny O'Bree said Conforti would be missed around the club.

"Sam is a very good footballer, but he's an even better young man,'' O'Bree said.

"He's been brilliant for the Pioneers in everything he has done - on and of the ground."

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