First year player Josh Begley has burst onto the AFL scene with an impressive performance in the JLT Community Series match against Gold Coast.

Begley kicked four goals in his first appearance for the Club.

He ended the match with ten disposals, four marks and two tackles.

“He’s had an outstanding start, he’s a young kid who has worked extremely hard over the last 12 months in his footy,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“He gave himself the opportunity to get drafted and in his first step out there today he was very impressive.

“He looked really dangerous up forward.”

The Bombers drafted Begley with the 31st overall pick last November.

This time last year, Begley wasn’t even on a TAC Cup club’s list.

But he joined Eastern Ranges early in the 2016 season and made an immediate impact with 14 goals in his first three matches.

As the season wore on Begley showed an ability to move into the midfield and he ended the year averaging 17 possessions (nine contested) per game.