Sullivan Robey’s lifelong dream of a debut with Essendon will be realised in Gather Round on Saturday afternoon.

Sullivan Robey’s lifelong dream of a debut with Essendon will be realised at Gather Round on Saturday afternoon.
 
The 192cm midfielder joins the side to face the Demons at Adelaide Oval, becoming the Bombers' 20th league debutant since the start of last year and their fifth of this season.
 
Robey shot into first-round draft calculations after a staggering rise in output through his top-age year, starring at Coates League level for the Eastern Ranges and slotting four goals in a Grand Final win to cement his place as last year's pick No.9.
 
His level of physicality and explosiveness for an 18-year-old makes him an enticing prospect as both a clearance player and a dangerous forward, roles he's already shown glimpses of at VFL level. He racked up 22-disposals and kicked four-goals against the Kangaroos in the reserves' home opener.
 
A childhood Bombers fan, Robey said he was ready to seize his opportunity at the elite level.
 
"I'm really excited to be making my debut in Adelaide for Gather Round, it's going to be an unreal experience and I can't wait to be part of it,” Robey said.
 
"It was a challenging period with my back at the start of pre-season, but the support from the boys kept me going. I'm just really grateful to get the opportunity to debut now.
 
"Telling Mum and Dad was pretty surreal, it was a really special moment to share with them."
 
Robey joins draft mates Jacob Farrow, Dyson Sharp, Max Kondogiannis and Hussien El Achkar in making senior debuts during their first seasons. Five debutants in five rounds as the Dons continue to blood their next generation.
 
The Bombers face the Dees from 1:15pm AEST (12:45pm ACST) on Saturday.