Essendon will name their 13th debutant this weekend, with 198cm key forward Liam McMahon debuting for the Bombers.
McMahon was picked up by the Dons in the 2025 midseason rookie draft, with the forward coming over from Collingwood’s VFL team.
The 13th debutant will see the Bombers equal a 34-year-old record as the most debutants in a season since Fitzroy in 1991, excluding expansion sides.
The Bombers have had a horror season with injuries wreaking havoc as they sit in 14th spot on the ladder with six wins and ten losses
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McMahon was leading the Carlton VFL and Essendon VFL goalkicking at one point this season in a rare feat.
He also spent time on Collingwood’s AFL list after being drafted in the 2020 national draft, but was delisted after two years.
The key forward has kicked two goals or more in every VFL match he has played this year.
McMahon explained it was a long road to get to see his dream realised, but he has proved he deserves it.
“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,” McMahon said in an Essendon press release.
“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.
“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.”
McMahon will make his debut against the seventh-placed GWS Giants on Thursday night at Marvel Stadium.