Essendon key defender Lewis Hayes will be making his AFL debut on Saturday after the Bombers announced his selection on Wednesday afternoon.
Coach Brad Scott hinted at a potential debut for Hayes on Wednesday morning, as the Bombers contemplated the additions to their line-up after Thursday night's injury carnage against North Melbourne.
Bombers trio Jordan Ridley, Harrison Jones and Jade Gresham were all unable to run out the game on Thursday night after suffering respective injuries. An adductor injury to Gresham will only see the small forward miss this week's game against the Swans, however, Ridley will miss up to two months of action, and Jones' return date is yet to be confirmed after a distressing ankle dislocation.
The 20-year-old defender has begun the season with strong performances in the VFL, though, averaging 11.3 marks per game, including a 16-mark, 27-disposal display against Williamstown in Round 1. Scott's response hinted that Hayes has been purely biding his time for opportunity, with the Essendon coach admitting he's certainly prepared to be elevated to the top flight.
"He's been in our emergencies pretty much every week, so we think he's ready," Scott said.
"We've just got to decide on the make-up of our team. He's been ready for a month."
Essendon then announced that they pulled the trigger on his selection call-up, with Hayes ecstatic after being told the news.
"Ben Jacobs pulled me aside and said, โBrad (Scott) wants a word with you,' and I was like, oh, here we go. I was obviously filled with excitement straight away," Hayes said.
"I didn't want to make a scene or anything. I went in pretty lowkey, a few of the boys started looking at me smiling, and I just couldn't not smile - it kind of erupted in there, and the boys got around me, which was good.
"I'm very excited. (Just being) with the boys in the gym, there was quite funny and I'm really looking forward to it.
"For me now, it's just about playing with a bit of calmness and going into the game pretty relaxed. I'll try and do that as best I can."
The Pick 25 of 2022's National Draft was runners-up in Essendon's VFL best and fairest last season.
Joining Hayes will be forward-midfielder Archer Day-Wicks, who was taken in last year's Rookie Draft.
Day-Wicks has the potential as both a forward and potential midfielder with his raw power and goal sense.
In the five VFL games this season, the 18-year-old has averaged 15 disposals, five marks and three tackles.
"I was absolutely stoked when I received the call. I originally thought it was my alarm ringing but then I saw Brad Scott's name... I didn't know what was going on. I knew it must have been important to be calling so early," Day-Wicks said.
"To be making my AFL debut is a lifelong dream come true for me. I have strived for this moment since I was 12 years old."
In other fortunate news for the Bombers, star midfielder Jye Caldwell is set to return to the depleted Essendon side after suffering a hamstring injury against Port Adelaide in Round 3.
"He's an important player for us. He's one of those types of guys that's a clearly a very capable player, but he's a heart and soul type player," Scott said on Wednesday.
"He brings more to us than kicks, marks, handballs, contested possessions, et cetera. He brings a fair bit of heart and soul to our team so its always good to have him back."
Scott also commented on the progress of Darcy Parish, who is stated to be a week away in Essendon's latest injury report.
However, Scott said he was in no rush to bring Parish back in hopes a conservative approach would reduce the likelihood of another soft tissue injury, the concerns that have plagued Parish's AFL career.
"Whether he's medically cleared to play, he may be, he may not be, but my view on this is I just want Darcy back injury-free and not concerned," Scott said.
"I'm leaning towards a more conservative approach with Darcy, but I'll continue to collaborate with our medical team on that one.
"He's had too many setbacks to bring him back before he's had a really good block of work. He's going well, he's training well, but it's a long season, and when we get him back, we want to make sure he stays back."
The Bombers take on the Swans at Marvel Stadium this Saturday, with their full line-up set to be announced at 6:20 pm on Thursday.