Essendon have confirmed first-year defender Angus Clarke will make his debut against Richmond on Friday night.
That match will see the Dons blood their sixth debutante of the year in the Dreamtime at the 'G clash, with Clarke following in the footsteps of top 2023 draftee Nate Caddy in debuting in the showcase match.
Clarke was drafted out of South Australia last November, taken with Pick 39 as Essendon's third overall recruit of the talent intake.
The teenager has played just four games at VFL level for Essendon this year due to a collarbone injury sustained in Round 2. His three other appearances have all netted Clarke at least 17 disposals and six marks, with the medium-sized defender a strong aerial threat and clean user of the ball out of defence.
"I'm feeling very lucky and fortunate to be playing on the โG," Clarke said of his debut in a club statement.
"It makes me very thankful to my parents. I wouldn't be here without them, cutting wood in my frees at school, selling it and flying to Adelaide, driving twice a week, it's all eventually paid off.
"I'm just ecstatic at the moment."
Clarke joins Isaac Kako, Tom Edwards, Saad El-Hawli, Lewis Hayes and Archer Day-Wicks in debuting for the Bombers this year, with all of Kako, Edwards, El-Hawli and Day-Wicks also recruited to the club in the past 12 months.
Essendon may also bring Jade Gresham into their side for Round 11, with the midfield-forward overcoming an adductor issue.
The Bombers will host Richmond at the MCG on Friday night at 7:40 pm (AEST).
