Essendon may have unearthed a future star in Archie May, whose raw power and relentless work ethic have drawn high praise from AFL great and step-father, Dermott Brereton.
The 198cm Subiaco product has shown considerable promise in the WAFL this year, averaging 13.8 disposals, 6.2 marks, and 6 score involvements per game, along with 12 goals across six appearances.
May previously spent time with Richmond’s VFL side in 2024 and impressed for the Sandringham Dragons in 2023, kicking 29 goals in 13 matches.
Five-time premiership legend Dermott Brereton, who has watched May develop, didn’t hold back in his praise.
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“He is a massive kid; he’s huge through the quads and thighs, really powerful,” Brereton told Fox Footy.
“He’s an absolute brute… he reminds me a little of Tom Hawkins when he came in.”
May’s athletic profile caught the eye of several clubs, but Brereton pointed out a key difference that sets him apart.
"When he does his endurance training, he’ll be running along with the midfielders," he said.
"He’s really powerful in a fast sprint, he’s a bit like Ollie Lord."
"But with all due respect to Ollie, I think Ollie probably will jump into a pack a little better than Arch, but Arch is faster, and Arch will stand under the ball as brave as can be."
Despite strong expectations that Collingwood might draft him, Essendon pounced early, seeing long-term potential in his frame and development.
The Bombers didn’t stop at May, also picking up Lachlan Blakiston, Liam McMahon, and Oskar Smartt from their VFL programme to boost depth amid ongoing injury concerns.
Essendon’s decision to sign May to an 18-month contract signals a real investment in his future.
“He’s worked so hard for it,” Brereton said, acknowledging the dedication May has shown to reach AFL level.
With raw strength, forward smarts and elite endurance, Archer May could become a vital piece in Essendon’s rebuild.
"He’s got a little bit of mongrel in him, too," Brereton said, in quotes reminiscent of his own football personality.