2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie draftees Archie May and Lachie Blakiston will make their AFL debut at the 10th edition of the annual ‘Country Game’ clash against Geelong at the MCG this Saturday afternoon.
Their selection marks a significant milestone for the Bombers, as they become the ninth and tenth players to debut for the club this season. This is the most Essendon debuts we've seen in a single season since 1974, when the legendary Simon Madden first wore the Essendon guernsey.
Standing at 198cm, May was selected by the Bombers with pick No. 6, joining the Club alongside Oskar Smartt (VFL) and Liam McMahon (VFL) and fellow debutant Lachlan Blakiston (WAFL).
Following a 2024 stint with Richmond VFL, the 20-year-old joined Subiaco in the WAFL and turned heads with stand-out performances throughout 2025. Across just six matches in the WAFL, May kicked twelve goals and averaged more than thirteen disposals, six marks and six score involvements for Subiaco.
With a strong marking ability and impressive athleticism to compete at ground level, May is an exciting key utility for the Bombers with a bright future.
Now, the new Don is ready to make his mark and is excited to play alongside the other future stars of the Bombers.
"I wasn't sure why Brad was calling or if he was giving me VFL instructions, but I was genuinely speechless when he said I was in,” May said.
"I am over the moon with excitement and so grateful for the opportunity. I've done a lot of work to get to where I am so when I rang Mum and Dad, they were both so proud.
“Fifteen days ago I was playing at Subiaco, and now, I'm being told I'm playing at the MCG, it is honestly crazy.
"On Saturday I just want to stay present and focus on what I can contribute to the team and hopefully make the Bomber fans proud."
Blakiston, drafted alongside May in the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft joined the Bombers from East Fremantle with pick No.13.
Standing at 203cm and weighing 100kgs, Blakiston’s experience, size and strength have him ready to compete and contribute at AFL level. The reliable 26-year-old ruck has had impressive performances in the WAFL, particularly this past season, catching the attention of AFL recruiters.
In just three WAFL games he averaged twenty-one hit outs and thirteen disposals, showcasing his potential in the ruck position and proving he can offer immediate support for Vigo Visentini and Todd Goldstein, when needed throughout the season.
Joining the Don’s at 26 years of age demonstrates Blakiston’s dedication to making it to the big stage, making his AFL debut that much sweeter.
"I was doing some housework and missed a call from Brad, I rang him back and he told me I'd be in the senior side this week. I couldn’t believe it. It was just sheer excitement and emotion,” Blakiston said.
"A few years ago, I was playing local footy, and now I'm playing on the MCG. I never felt that the dream of AFL was realistic for me, so to now be achieving that goal is incredible.
"When I rang my family Dad was speechless, Mum was in tears, and my partner Sophie was screaming. They're just wrapped.
“I can’t wait to run out onto the ‘G on Saturday. It will be a real dream come true.”
May and Blakiston will join Isaac Kako, Tom Edwards, Saad El-Hawli, Archer Day-Wicks, Lewis Hayes, Angus Clarke, Zak Johnson and Luamon Lual as 2025 debutants.
Essendon and Geelong will hold the 10th edition of the annual ‘Country Game’ clash at the MCG this Saturday afternoon. Since 2016, the two clubs have come together to acknowledge the contribution of regional communities to Australian society and highlight the significant contribution of country people to Australian Rules football. This year’s theme, Bush to the Burbs will celebrate the contribution of country footy to our great game with gameday activations at the MCG.
Fans should arrive early and soak up all the pre-game festivities on Saturday with MCC Gates open 2:00pm, General Public open 2:30pm.
Tickets for the Round 14 Country Game vs. Geelong can be purchased here.
