From the James Hird Academy to the big stage, Essendon’s 14th debutant of the 2025 season Jayden Nguyen was quick to make his mark.
 
Nguyen’s debut in the sash made him the first player of Vietnamese descent to play AFL, with the impact felt far and wide across the Vietnamese and wider football community.
 
On-field, the defender has proven to be a strong force, with a highlight performance against Geelong in Round 22 seeing him lay seven tackles on the opposition.
 
Open-minded and versatile in his approach, the 19-year-old is optimistic about the future of the young group and is grateful to be living out his childhood dream.

Nguyen on… NGA to the big stage
 
(The NGA Program) made the transition from junior footy to AFL footy so much easier. Being around the club a few days week and making relationships with the boys on and off the field, I feel like it made it a smoother transition for me personally.
 
Being around the club, you learn so much from all the players with their work ethic and how they go about their footy.
 
It was a real eye-opener when I was training pre-season, I tried to pick the brains of the players and tried to implement their routines to make myself better.
 
It's just the opportunities around you and the wealth and knowledge here, I feel like it's developed me and my game incredibly.

Nguyen on… making history
 
I’m super and honoured to be the first Vietnamese AFL player.
 
It's not a prevalent sport in our culture, so for me to become a figure like this, I just hope to inspire others.
 
I've had so much love and support shown from the Vietnamese and Asian community in general, and the wider football community. I've had a lot of people reach out on social media with congratulations and warm welcomes.
 
I'm just super rapt with all the support I've received.

Nguyen on… versatility
 
In my junior years I was more of a wing, midfield and forward type of guy, I didn't really play much in defence.
 
I think adding more strings to my bow will really help me as a player in the future, being able to play in multiple positions. 
 
I just want to make the coaches proud and do my role every single week for the team.

Nguyen on… playing on the leagues’ top small forwards
 
I've learned so much playing off those types of players (Tom Papley, Jack Higgins, Tyson Stengle), they’re the premier small forwards in the competition.
 
After my first game in Sydney playing on Papley, he gave me a bit of advice after the game.
 
Whatever happens on the field stays on the field, but after the games, it's all good spirits, he’s such a great character and I think that's a great show of respect.
 
I just can't wait to keep on learning and playing on the best players to improve my own game and I want to bring my competitive edge, keep working hard and try to be a pest to all the small forwards and do my role for the team.

Nguyen on… contract extension
 
It's unreal being able to live out my dream for another year doing what I love every single day, and I'm keen of keep on working hard.
 
I believe our group has extraordinary capacity and I want to be a part of that. I'm going to put my best foot forward and make sure we’re the best team to ever wear the red and black.
 
Nguyen on… the debutant group
 
Playing with so many debutants, it feels like you're playing with your best mates at local footy.
 
The culture at the moment is super high and the vibes are immaculate, so I'm just keen to keep building with all these boys and building our connection on and off the field, especially with the experienced guys as well.
 
I'm keen to keep on going with these boys because I think that the sky's a limit for us.