Essendon VFL will unveil an exciting new prospect on Sunday when Tom Wallis, son of two-time Premiership player Dean, will line up as the 23rd man.

Wallis has averaged 16 disposals playing with the Calder Cannons in the U18 TAC Cup Competition and is a current member of the James Hird Academy (JHA). 

“It will be great to see Tommy continue the tradition of the Wallis name at the Bombers when he pulls on the Essendon jumper for the first time for the VFL team this weekend,” List Manager Adrian Dodoro said.

Rookie-listed Jake Long, a former member of the JHA, will also line up alongside Wallis on Sunday.

View the full VFL squad here.

The JHA, established by the Essendon Football Club, serves as a junior development program that aims to identify, attract and nurture young players from non-traditional AFL regions, international zones and potential father/son draft avenues.