Essendon has announced its 14th debutant of the season, eclipsing the AFL record of Fitzroy's 13 in 1991, as rookie Jayden Nguyen is set to be unleashed against Sydney on Saturday.
The first player of Vietnamese descent in the history of the game, Nguyen, was signed as a Category B Rookie from the Bombers' Academy in last year's draft.
The small defender is poised to tackle Swans livewire Tom Papley after an impressive run of form in the VFL, showcasing his combative nature, speed, attack and defensively-minded style for the club.
Nguyen has been with the Bombers since his early teens, thanks to the NGA program, and is still in shock that he'll be living out his childhood dream.
"I'm just trying to take it all in. I'd just woken up from a nap, and I'm like, ‘Scotty's calling me? What's up there?'," Nguyen said.
"He told me to keep my plans for this weekend free because they were about to get a fair bit better. It was the last thing I was expecting to hear. I'm still in a bit of shock.
"I told the family as soon as I ran out of the room, and my dad just started running around the house screaming. It was so bloody good.
"It's been a long, long journey working through our NGA program from being a 12-year-old to now. I spent so much time in the Club when I was younger, I idolised a lot of these players, and it was a dream for me one day to put on the sash.
"There's no better feeling than playing footy with your best mates, and that's what I get to do this weekend. That's when all the enjoyment comes and all the energy sparks, so I can't wait to get out there with them and show the Dons supporters what we're all about and how close we are.
"I just want to be a figure that Vietnamese and Asian children can look up to and hopefully show them that their dream is possible and that they can do it.
"For me to take a step in this direction, I feel like I'm pretty proud of myself, but hopefully I can make others proud that have helped me along the journey to where I am.
"To have the opportunity to represent such a great club, I'm just super happy and can't wait to get started on my journey."
Nguyen has played nine matches for the Bombers in the state league competition, averaging 14.8 disposals, 3.4 tackles and two marks per game.
