Essendon has handed mid-season draftees Archer May and Lachie Blakiston their first AFL opportunity just weeks after welcoming them through the doors at Tullamarine.
May and Blakiston are the first confirmed MSD pick-ups to debut following last month's intake, which saw 18 prospects find homes in the top-flight.
The Bombers took the duo with Picks 6 and 13, and will take on Geelong in the annual Country Game at the MCG on Saturday.
May - who attracted interest from Collingwood and North Melbourne - joined Essendon after stints with Subiaco in the WAFL and Richmond's VFL outfit last year.
He opted to head to Western Australia to improve his chances of being drafted, with his boyhood dream realised two weeks ago.
May played his one and only game in Essendon colours over the weekend against Carlton in the reserves, collecting 13 touches, five marks and four tackles to go with a goal.
"I wasn't sure why Brad was calling or if he was giving me VFL instructions, but I was genuinely speechless when he said I was in," May said.
"I am over the moon with excitement and so grateful for the opportunity. I've done a lot of work to get to where I am, so when I rang Mum and Dad, they were both so proud.
"Fifteen days ago, I was playing at Subiaco, and now, I'm being told I'm playing at the MCG. It is honestly crazy.
"On Saturday, I just want to stay present and focus on what I can contribute to the team and hopefully make the Bomber fans proud."
Blakiston, who was drafted from East Fremantle, stands at 203cm tall, and has proven to be a ready-made ruckman in the WAFL.
He impressed the Bombers in the three WAFL games, averaging 21 hitouts and 13 disposals.
The Red + Black is waiting, Lachie ๐ซก
With pick No.13 we have picked Lachlan Blakiston from East Fremantle WAFL. pic.twitter.com/Ar1Dlnt6ec
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) May 28, 2025
"I was doing some housework and missed a call from Brad. I rang him back and he told me I'd be in the senior side this week. I couldn't believe it. It was just sheer excitement and emotion," Blakiston said.
ย "A few years ago, I was playing local footy, and now I'm playing on the MCG. I never felt that the dream of AFL was realistic for me, so to now be achieving that goal is incredible.
"When I rang my family, Dad was speechless, Mum was in tears, and my partner Sophie was screaming. They're just wrapped.
"I can't wait to run out onto the โG on Saturday. It will be a real dream come true."
The duo follow the likes of Isaac Kako,ย Tom Edwards,ย Saad El-Hawli,ย Archer Day-Wicks,ย Lewis Hayes,ย Angus Clarke,ย Zak Johnsonย andย Luamon Lual, who have all donned the red sash for the first time so far in 2025.
May and Blakiston were a part of the quartet of MSD prospects Essendon collected, with Oskar Smartt (Pick 17 - Essendon VFL) and Liam McMahon (Pick 18 - Carlton VFL) also receiving selections.
