All of Liam McMahon’s patience and hard work is set to pay off.
The 23-year-old has been named to make his AFL debut, set to don the sash on the big stage for the first time in Essendon’s Challenge Game against GWS under the Marvel Stadium lights.
It’s been a long journey for the 198cm key forward, who made his first appearance on an AFL list back in 2020 with Collingwood prior to a successful stint with Carlton VFL that saw him cemented as one of the competition’s premier goalkicking threats.
Working tirelessly in pursuit of fulfilling his dream of an elite level debut, McMahon’s opportunity came via the 2025 Mid-Season Rookie Draft as the Bombers’ final selection (pick No.18).
After just over a month on the list, McMahon’s stellar VFL form has earned him that chance.
“It’s been a massive road,” McMahon said.
“It’s been five years in the making from when I got drafted back in 2020. It’s not so much a sigh of relief, but it’s more a moment where I was finally able to prove myself right and get to where I am now.
“I’m really proud of my perseverance and my resilience. Being told ‘no’ for five years or that I'm not good enough has been a massive setback and to finally be here now, it's just so surreal.
“Brad asked me how my day had been going, gave him the quick rundown – it hadn’t been much as it was our day off. He just told me my day was about to get a whole lot better.
“The gratitude is just immense. To be able to say that I’ve now ticked off a childhood dream and that I'm officially an AFL player is something I won't take for granted, I'll be so appreciative forever.”
As Essendon’s 13th debutant of the year, the Club has now equalled the AFL-era record alongside Fitzroy’s 1991 effort (excluding expansion sides).
McMahon’s excited to be among his new teammates on the night, especially as the fourth of the side’s mid-season picks to take to the AFL stage.
“The boys have been extremely welcoming from day one. It's funny that I played against a few of them in the VFL across the last couple of years,” McMahon said.
“Everyone's been extremely welcoming from the senior playing group and it's a great environment.
“There’s actually a photo of me in grade six with a chalkboard saying I wanted to be an AFL player when I grew up. Now I guess I can finally tick that off.
“I'm just so grateful to this Club for believing in me, giving me a second chance at this and I won't let them down.”
