Tayte Pears will play his first game for Essendon in almost two years when the team meets Adelaide on Saturday.

The 25 year old hasn’t played in the senior side since round 23, 2013. 

“It’s magnificent for Tayte,” Essendon Coach James Hird said. 

“He’s really had a horrific run with injuries.”

Pears made a bright start to his AFL career after being selected by the Bombers with the 23^rd pick in the 2007 National Draft – the same draft year as David Myers and Cale Hooker.

After making his debut in 2008 against the Western Bulldogs, it was during the 2009 season that the football world began to take notice of the young defender.

Pears played 23 games that year and was nominated for the AFL’s Rising Star award after blanketing Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola in a big Bombers win at the MCG. 

In the six seasons since, injuries have restricted Pears to just 40 games.

A pancreas injury had the West Australian in intensive care in 2010, while a fractured leg, calf and heel problems have seen him spend time on the sidelines. 

“Tayte is a terrific person and has been a great person around our football club,” Hird said.

“Unfortunately for him over the last three or four years we just haven’t had enough football into his body.”

Pears has played 12 games in the VFL this season.

After starting the season as a key forward, Pears has returned to his more familiar defensive post over the last few weeks.

“He’ll play back this week and take one of their taller forwards and hopefully do a good job,” Hird said. 

“There is four games to go and we’re all really hoping he gets to play those four games in the seniors and give his best effort and show how good he is.”