Essendon on Saturday will unveil its fifth debutant of 2026, with Sullivan Robey to play his first game at the highest level.
Robey joins Jacob Farrow, Dyson Sharp, Max Kondogiannis and Hussien El Achkar from last year's draft class to debut for the Bombers in their first season.
The 18-year-old was selected by Essendon with its first pick, No. 9, after an impressive top-age year in the Coates Talent League for Eastern Ranges, which included a 40-disposal, three-goal domination of the Western Jets in their Wildcard match-up, before a four-goal game in the Grand Final.
"Yeah, it's pretty surreal to be picked up by such an awesome club. It's going to be really exciting for 2026 and I can't wait to crack in," Robey said on draft night last November.
"To be picked up by my childhood club is pretty surreal.
"I loved Jobe Watson, he was one of my favourite players, growing up, and then Zach Merrett in the recent couple of years."
The 192cm midfielder/forward described himself as a player that is "pretty physical" and someone that "loves to go forward and kick a goal".
Robey - a 192cm midfielder/forward - becomes the Bombers' 20th debutant since the start of last year.
Meanwhile, out-of-favour youngster Elijah Tsatas looks set to be be recalled for his first game at senior level since Round 19 last year. Tsatas racked up 36 disposals and eight clearances in the Bombers' Round 3 VFL loss to Footscray last Sunday.
Essendon plays Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, with the Dons looking to win their first game of the year and avoid a club-record 18th-straight defeat.
