Essendon's Jaxon Artemis will make his AFL debut against GWS on Sunday.
Selected with Pick 1 at the Mid-Season Rookie Draft in May, Artemis had 19 disposals and a goal in the VFL last Sunday.
He has played just three state league games for Essendon due to some minor injuries but was one of the competition's standouts in the early part of 2026.
A prototype half-back, he grew his defensive game which put him on the map, having always been a sound ball-user.
It gives the Bombers fans some cause for excitement in a season which has produced just one win and coming off a game where they managed just one goal to three quarter time.
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“We really love his offensive game, his ability to break the game open, get handball receive and his offensive damage within a game so he has been fantastic down here with us,” his Tasmania VFL coach Jeromey Webberley told Zero Hanger earlier this year.
“Everyone knows his offensive ability but we feel like what he's added to his defensive game at the start of the year has been a highlight and his transition across the straight has given him this opportunity.
“Jacko's a happy go lucky high energy guy who fits within the group well. He's been open and honest about managing expectation and he's done it really well. He has strong relationships across the program and has allowed his footy to do the talking.
"After missing out in his 18th year, it sounds like he understands how the draft works and knows there is no guarantees so it is about focusing on what he can control around preparation and recovery which is allowing him to perform.”
