Two seasons ago Ken Hall took a risk. He opted to come to the mainland and play as a top-up player with Essendon's VFL side rather than play with his native Tasmania in the same competition. His reasoning was that being aligned with an AFL club gave him a better chance of making it to the big time. Hall's brave decision was vindicated this afternoon when he was promoted to Essendon's senior list and selected to play against Hawthorn this Friday night. The full team will be emailed to Engine Room members shortly.

Hall was named on the bench and only found out he had been promoted in this morning's team meeting. ""Sheeds was reading the team out and he came to the bench and said I was in,"" Hall said. ""I was a bit shocked. A few of the boys were telling me I was a chance but I didn't take much notice of them.""

Hall, who played with the Tassie Mariners under Robert Shaw at Under 18 level, did pre-season with the Bombers in 2001. He was subsequently added to Essendon's rookie list at the commencement of this season and with Dean Solomon on the long-term injury list has now been elevated.

Hall has played most of his football in defence for the Bombers but did a particularly good job in the mid-field against Frankston last week.