Essendon will waste no time in showing off its next generation this Friday night, with draftees Dyson Sharp, Max Kondogiannis and Huss El Achkar all being thrust into the spotlight for their AFL debuts.
Staring at a potential audience of more than 90,000 for their first stanza at the elite level, the trio’s debut dreams were realised when the announcements sent the playing group into raptures on Tuesday.
The 2025 draft class has impressed in its first pre-season with the Club, with the three prospective debutants hardly missing a beat of their training blocks and providing assured performances in their two hitouts against Richmond and St Kilda to date.
A diehard Don growing up, Sharp is a classic in-and-under midfielder.
The former SA Captain has held his own in the variations of Essendon’s match simulation so far, standing out with his clean hands under duress and a willingness to crash into contests.
Sharp led his state manfully with a stellar National Championship run as a top-ager last year, racking up 27 disposals and five tackles per game over his four appearances.
The tough teenager is ready to fulfill a childhood dream alongside his family.
“To have 'Scotty' (Brad Scott) say that I’m debuting was a really special moment - it still feels surreal to be honest,” Sharp said.
“There is a lot of hype around round one, so it was always in the back of my head that I wanted to be part of it. I’m very grateful for the opportunity, and I just can’t wait to out there, hear the crowd and hopefully get my first touch.
“Growing up it was a dream of mine, not just to play an AFL game for any Club but to wear the sash. I was barracking for the Bombers when I was little, so to know I’ll be able to do that on Friday night in front of my family, friends and fans is pretty special.”
A rangy aerialist with the speed to match, Kondogiannis has earned his debut opportunity after a solid pre-season and an impressive cameo against the Saints in the AAMI Community Series.
The former Carey Grammar Captain averaged nearly 19 disposals per game across his top-age season with Vic Metro and the Oakleigh Chargers, standing out with his intercept marking and anticipation, composure under pressure and an ability to attack from half back.
The young defender showcased his athleticism at the Combine with a 6:26 two-kilometre time trial and a sharp 2.94 second 20-metre sprint.
With pace and versatility allowing him to match up on tall and small opponents, the new Don is primed to take on the Hawks this Friday night.
"I just can’t wait to get out there on Friday night, compete with the boys in front of a huge crowd and fulfil my childhood dream,” Kondogiannis said.
“I was told in the team meeting, Andy McGrath was up in front and called my name out. I worked closely with him over the summer, so it was special to hear it from Andy.
“I still can’t really put it into words how special it is. The Club is one of the biggest clubs in Melbourne, so to be able to represent Essendon and run out on Friday night is something I’m really proud of and can’t wait for.”
A product of the Club’s James Hird Academy, El Achkar will be one to bring raw excitement.
The small forward lit it up on several occasions in his stint with Calder Cannons (forming a dynamic duo with last year’s round one debutant Isaac Kako) and showed his nous in front of the sticks to recruiters with a six-goal haul against Sandringham last season.
Essendon were quick to match Richmond’s bid for El Achkar at pick No.53 last year. This will be the 18-year-old’s second Dons debut after impressing with a three-goal burst in his VFL appearance last year.
El Achkar is rapt to be on the big stage.
“I can’t wait to run out on Friday night - it’s a dream come true and still doesn’t feel real,” El Achkar said.
“It was pretty surreal, Brad was talking about selection and then one of my best mates Isaac Kako called my name. Having a mate announce my debut made it really special and something I will always remember.
“It’s a dream come true to run out onto the MCG. I’ve been watching the AFL for the last 10 years, and to play one of the biggest games of the year in front of a massive crowd is something I’m so proud of and can’t wait for.”
Stay posted for the exclusive footage of the boys being told the news, which will be posted on our website, YouTube and social channels.
