Across Essendon VFL’s opening eight games this season, the improvement of several youngsters has generated palpable excitement for the future.

Six of the Club’s seven AFL debutants this season have been rewarded for promising performances at state league level, with the Bombers’ most recent first-gamer Zak Johnson an integral VFL contributor in the opening two months of the campaign.

Johnson’s elite numbers off half back might’ve proved the most eye-catching of the Dons’ first-year brigade, but he’s far from the only youngster beginning to make his mark.

In the wake of injuries to 10 players on the AFL list over 190cm and Todd Goldstein taking the No.1 ruck mantle at senior level, Vigo Visentini has taken the added responsibility in stride.

The second-year Don’s had his development fast-tracked after spending much of his first season as a predominant forward who’d pinch hit in the middle, often finding himself as a solo ruck in 2025.

In his last six outings, Visentini is averaging 18 disposals and 35 hitouts per game against a mix of younger and more experienced counterparts in the ruck, with his mobility and willingness to get involved in handball chains surprising features of his game for a big man.

Over the weekend, Visentini’s career-high 58 hitouts in defeat to Brisbane was arguably his most impressive VFL outing to date – at just 19 years of age, expect the ruck’s development to continue to shine.

Another tall growing accustomed to different positions is Kayle Gerreyn.

The WA product has largely been used up forward to good effect over the opening rounds, booting 12 goals in his first six games as a Bomber.

A three-goal haul against the Roos at Windy Hill in round six showcased just how threatening he can be as a deep option, with his strength and contested marking ability looking strong especially for a young player.

Occasionally lending a hand in the ruck and taking stoppage duties inside the attacking arc, Gerreyn was moved to defence in round 10, where he took five marks from 14 disposals and provided a combative presence in the back half.

Despite missing stints this season through injury, Jayden Nguyen has also shown promise as a lockdown small defender, producing a season-best 20 disposals back in round four against Port Melbourne.

Rhys Unwin continues to show very clean traits – having been utilised as a wing, half back and occasional forward option in his first weeks at the level, the GWV Rebels product has looked nimble and agile in traffic, most evident in the clash against Brisbane last week.

The teenager slotted two early goals and was proactive up the ground in another showcase of his talent.

Jye Menzie and Alwyn Davey Jnr were in good touch on the weekend up forward, the latter back to his dangerous best using his pace and defensive pressure to propel scoring opportunities.

Senior Dons such as Dylan Shiel and Darcy Parish have rounded out the Club’s AFL-listed talent at VFL level in recent weeks, adding welcome experience to one of the youngest sides in the competition.

Shiel’s consistency has been important, while Parish’s successful return from injury is also creating selection depth for the seniors.

Amongst the VFL-listed crop, the work of skipper Xavier O’Neill has been first rate throughout the campaign – his 31-disposal, two-goal effort against the Swans his best return of 2025 so far.

Oskar Smartt’s lively form earned him an opportunity as a mid-season pick with the Dons at No.17, while Jared Eckersley is developing nicely as the season wears on, booting three goals most recently last week.

Will Hoare has returned from injury and slotted back into defence with aplomb, while the improvement of recent debutant Kieran Gallagher over his first handful of games has been another positive.

At 3-5, the Bombers will look to bounce back against the Blues at Windy Hill this Sunday, kicking off from 2:05pm AEST.