What's better than one debutant? Two debutants according to Melbourne.
The Demons announced on Thursday afternoon that 2026 AFL Mid-Season Draft picks Joel Fitzgerald and Lukas Cooke would be playing their first game this weekend against Essendon.
Saturday's fixture will see the pair feature at AFL level only 16 days after being selected, as the whirlwind nature of the MSD continues.
Three other draftees have already made their debuts: Hugo Hall-Kahan (Adelaide), Mitch Podhajski (Collingwood) and Campbell Lake (St Kilda).
Fitzgerald, taken with pick 16, has starred in his two games for Casey in the VFL. The 189cm midfielder collected a mammoth 40 disposals and a goal in his opening match in the red and blue after dominating for Williamstown across the first half of the season.
The 22-year-old previously spent time playing for Essendon as part of the club's VFL squad and will ironically make his debut against his former club and coaches.
Cooke has equally impressed during his first fortnight under coach Steven King.
The 196cm defender had a day to remember last round for Casey with 32 disposals, 13 intercept possessions and 11 marks.
The 22-year-old arrived at the Dees from SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens with the 11th pick in the MSD.
Melbourne will be looking to make amends for its shock loss to Essendon during Gather Round. Currently the Bombers only victory for 2026.
The Demons sit in fifth spot on the ladder, while the Bombers are last and hot favourites for the wooden spoon.
