Essendon coach Brad Scott "suspects there'll be more" debutants for the club after notching up eight following the club's Round 13 clash against Carlton.
Isaac Kako, Tom Edwards, Saad El-Hawli, Archer Day-Wicks, Lewis Hayes, Angus Clarke, Zak Johnson and Luamon Lual have all donned the red sash for the first time so far in 2025.
It comes as the club is currently dealing with an injury crisis that has already ruled out Sam Draper, Nick Bryan, Edwards and Hayes for the season.
Experienced heads Kyle Langford (quad), Jordan Ridley (hamstring), Harrison Jones (ankle), Ben McKay (foot) and Mason Redman (calf) have also missed for lengthy periods.
As a result, the Bombers welcomed four prospects to Tullarmarine in the Mid-Season Draft (MSD), who are all in the frame to make an impact at the top flight.
"I don't think anyone does," Scott said of expecting the number of debutants.
"I don't think we're finished yet either. It's a really interesting conundrum. We've got injuries to similar types of players, but we've got other players in the VFL who are knocking on the door of selection.
"Whether that's this week or next, I suspect there'll be more to come."
Emerging ruckman Vigo Visentini has had an extraordinary month of football in the VFL, and could be brought in to give veteran Todd Goldstein a rest.
Key position prospects and MSD pick-ups Liam McMahon and Archie May could be given the nod to help strengthen Essendon at either end.
Fellow MSD selection Oskar Smartt has impressed in his opening fortnight at the Bombers, and is an option Scott will consider in the coming weeks.
Since Gold Coast and GWS joined the competition, North Melbourne holds the record for the most debutants in one season.
Scott, who was ironically in charge of the Kangaroos in 2017, handed down 11 guernseys to fresh faces. Brisbane (2014) and West Coast (2022) recorded 10, albeit the latter's number was heightened due to COVID-19.
It comes as Essendon prepares for the annual Country Game against Geelong, taking place at the MCG on Saturday at 4:15 AEST.
The Scott brothers will do battle in a game that brings up their collective 1000 matches in the AFL. Chris has contributed 562 games (215 as a player and 347 as a coach). Brad has added 437 (168 and 269).
The Bombers will be forced into at least one change, with midfielder Sam Durham accepting his two-game ban for his bump on Carlton's Adam Cerra.
Scott revealed that the club didn't consider appealing the MRO's decision.
"We didn't think we had a case," Scott said.
"I have a fairly good understanding of how the system works. The reality is, there was high contact made and Sam, to the letter of the law, had an alternative, so we just take the punishment.
"Talking to Sam, he thought that (Adam) Cerra was going to contest the ball in the same manner. The technique side is really important. Sam's intention was never to bump."
Dashing defender Mason Redman won't return from a calf issue that saw him withdrawn from the Blues clash, as no one on the injury list is likely to return until after the club's Round 16 bye.
