Promising Bomber, Jarrod Atkinson, has been rushed into the 30-man Qantas Indigenous All-Star team ahead of Saturday's match against the Adelaide Crows at TIO Stadium in Darwin .
The 23-year-old (24 this month) played five games for Essendon in 2008 and was promoted to the senior list at the end of the season. He was a rookie selection in 2007 (pick 21).
""It means a lot to me to be named and I can't wait to play with the other boys and get to know becasue I only know a couple of them,"" Atkinson said.
""Playing with guys like Andrew Mcleod and Ash McGrath will be really exciting. I don't know where i will play - we will discuss game plan and positions more tonight or tomorrow.""
Like Andrew Lovett, Atkinson believes playing the All-Star game will be good preperation for the season ahead.
""My pre-season has gone really well. I haven't had any serious set-backs and have been doing full load training. I feel a lot more prepared and much fitter by far for this season.""
Atkinson will join Lovett in the team after Nathan Lovett-Murray was a late withdrawl.
""Nathan is very passionate about this game but he thinks, from a match conditioning perspective, he is a little bit off,"" Football administration manager, David Calthorpe, said.
""The next week of training will determine his availability for Round 1 of NAB Cup against the Bulldogs in Darwin.""
Adelaide Crows veteran Andrew McLeod will captain team and Shaun Burgoyne has been named as Vice Captain of the All-Stars.
The Qantas Indigenous All-Stars was selected by three-time premiership player Darryl White, AFLPA Indigenous Programs Manager Cory McGrath, AFL Indigenous Programs Manager Jason Mifsud and coach Chris Johnson.
Coach Chris Johnson said the team features a new generation of exciting Indigenous talent.
“The team has looked fantastic on the track this week and I’m looking forward to the match,” Johnson said.
""Not only will the game bring Indigenous players together from AFL clubs, but will bring Indigenous communities together.""
2009 Qantas Indigenous All-Stars.
Jarrhan Jacky (Adelaide), Jared Petrenko (Adelaide), Jonathon Griffin (Adelaide), Graham Johncock (Adelaide), Andrew McLeod (Adelaide), Ashley McGrath (Brisbane Lions), Jeffery Garlett (Carlton), Chris Yarran (Carlton), Andrew Lovett (Essendon), Jarrod Atkinson (Essendon), Nathan Djerrkura (Geelong), Mathew Stokes (Geelong), Travis Varcoe (Geelong), Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn), Cameron Stokes (Hawthorn), Aaron Davey (Melbourne), Austin Wonaeamirri (Melbourne), Matt Campbell (North Melbourne), Lindsay Thomas (North Melbourne), Warren Benjamin (North Melbourne), Cruzie Garlett (North Melbourne), Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide), Daniel Motlop (Port Adelaide), Marlon Motlop (Port Adelaide), Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide), Richard Tambling (Richmond), Raphael Clarke (St Kilda), Jarrod Harbrow (Western Bulldogs), Joshua Hill (Western Bulldogs), Brennan Stack (Western Bulldogs).
The All-star match will be on air on ABC1 at 11.20pm local time in each state on Saturday 7 February.
