The Essendon Bombers have confirmed a Round 1 debut for their thrilling small forward Isaac Kako as they prepare to take on Hawthorn in a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG.
Kako, who was taken with Pick 13 in the 2024 National Draft, has been a bright spot for Bombers fans during the pre-season despite many pundits offering low expectations for the club in 2025. In the Bombers' practice match against Geelong in February, Kako electrified the away crowd with four goals and a goal assist with his knack for crumbing the football and seizing goal-scoring opportunities on full display.
"My body's feeling good, I feel like I'm doing almost everything right on field," Kako told Fox Footy after his star-like performance at GMHBA Stadium.
"Hopefully if the coaches choose me then it would be good to live out my childhood dream."
For Kako, that dream will now become reality.
Kako's journey to the AFL is as unique as any other. His parents moved to Australia from Iraq in 1999 and, as a child, fell in love with Aussie Rules and the Bombers with his older brother.
His development alongside Essendon and the James Hird Academy program as a junior played a vital role in his rise in the draft ranks and ultimately, his selection by the club. His impending debut will see him become the first Iraqi player in AFL history, achieving history with his boyhood club.
Off-season recruit Jaxon Prior will also make his Bombers debut on Friday night. The former Brisbane Lion will play his 40th AFL game at the MCG as a part of Essendon's backline who will be looking to slow down Hawthorn's ferocious forward group. Prior played four games for the Lions in 2024 and did not feature in their premiership side.
However, he delivered a couple of standout performances, particularly in the Round 20 Q-Clash, where he collected 19 disposals and took 10 marks.
Essendon's season will finally get underway against Hawthorn on Friday night at the MCG, with the first bounce at 7:40pm AEDT.
