Essendon will reportedly unveil their second debutant of 2024 on Sunday, with rookie flanker Archie Roberts set to play his first AFL game when the Bombers go head-to-head with Fremantle at the MCG.
Roberts will join fellow 2023 draft addition Nate Caddy in pulling on the red and black jumper at the top level for the first time this year, with the teenager handed the promotion after a strong year so far in the VFL.
The 18-year-old has recorded 20 or more disposals in his past five games a the state league level, a spell that included a 32-disposal, seven-mark and one-goal outing in a win over Port Melbourne last month.
Able to play across half-back and up on the wing, Roberts offers a clean outside craft with his running and attacking ball movement.
Roberts joined Essendon as the 54th overall selection in last year's Nationa Draft, landing at Tullamarine alongside Vic Metro teammate Caddy, fellow defender Luamon Lual and Sandringham Dragons tall Vigo Visentini, who was a member of the Dragons' 2023 premiership team alongside Roberts.
According to AFL.com.au, Essendon will name Roberts for the occasion as the Bombers prepare to make multiple changes for their clash with the Dockers.
The Bombers named Roberts among five potential inclusions for Sunday's clash with the Dockers, with Jake Kelly, Ben Hobbs, Nick Bryan and Alwyn Davey also in the mix to return.
Brad Scott will make at least two changes, with defender Jordan Ridley missing through injury while youngster Archie Perkins was dropped from the side that fell to St Kilda last weekend.
Essendon will name their 23-man squad for Round 21 on Friday at 5:00pm (AEST), with a final side locked in an hour out from Sunday's 3:20pm bounce.
A win over the Dockers - who sit third on the ladder - could take the Bombers back into the top eight, surpassing Victorian rivals Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs should they both lose their respective matches this weekend.
