Essendon have confirmed top 2022 draft selection Elijah Tsatas will make his long-awaited AFL debut this weekend against West Coast.
The smooth-moving midfielder joined the Bombers as the fifth overall pick in last year's National Draft and faced a delayed start to his maiden season at Tullamarine, having suffered a knee injury during the pre-season.
Tsatas wouldn't make his first appearance in the red and black until June through a VFL appearance for Essendon against North Melbourne. The teenager would manage to record 18 disposals, four marks and a goal in his first showing.
Since, Tsatas has quickly emerged as a leading figure for the Bombers' VFL unit, averaging 25 disposals, 6.7 clearances and 4.3 tackles from his seven appearances at the state league level.
The Surrey Park junior is a dashing outside-inside midfielder who effortlessly finds plenty of the ball and relies on his clean hands and breakaway speed to be a difference-maker in the centre of the field.
The agile Bomber was confirmed to make his debut on Wednesday, with Tsatas to face the Eagles at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Essendon are unlikely to be forced into any changes following their loss to Sydney, however Tsatas could be in the frame to replace fellow Oakleigh Chargers product Alwyn Davey Jnr. or half-forward Will Snelling in Brad Scott's side.
The Bombers coach hinted earlier this week that Tsatas was edging closer to a debut after impressing his peers during and since his recovery.
"Everyone has to remember he missed over three months with a knee surgery right on the eve of the season, so it's been a long, slow build for Elijah," Scott told media.
"His performances are really starting to knock the door down, so he's very, very close."
Tsatas will don the famous No.5 jumper for the Bombers, previously worn by the likes of James Hird, Terry Daniher and Brent Stanton.
The Bombers and Eagles will clash at Docklands at 1:45pm (AEST).
