Key position player Jake Carlisle and midfielder Stewart Crameri will make their AFL debuts in this Friday night’s blockbuster against Collingwood.
Matthew Knights said both players have worked hard to earn themselves a place in the Bombers’ AFL side following consistent performances in the VFL.
“We are going to have two first gamers this week for the Essendon Football Club which is extremely exciting,” Knights said.
Carlisle was selected by the Bombers with pick 24 in the 2009 NAB AFL National Draft via the Calder Cannons.
“Jake is a 196cm key forward who we drafted from the Calder Cannons and it will be good to see him roaming our forward line on Friday,” Knights said.
Crameri, a 188cm attacking defender who can also play midfield came to Windy Hill with selection 43 in the 2009 Rookie Draft.
“Stewart’s debut is a great story having made his way through Maryborough and the Bendigo Bombers before earning his place on our rookie list,” Knights said.
“It has been quite a journey for young Stewart but he has been consistent in the VFL for virtually the whole year so we are looking forward to seeing Stewart debut on the big stage.
“It is a long way from Maryborough to the MCG in front of 80,000 – 90,000 so it should be a great experience for him.”
