Essendon will unveil two fresh faces when they take on Sydney at Marvel Stadium this Saturday, with Lewis Hayes and Archer Day-Wicks both set to make their AFL debuts in the Round Nine clash.
For Hayes, the moment has been a long time coming. The 20-year-old key defender, now in his third season, has been a pillar of consistency in the VFL and has finally earned his chance on the senior stage.
“Ben Jacobs pulled me aside and said ‘Brad (Scott) wants a word with you,’ and I was like, oh, here we go,” Hayes said, recalling the moment he got the call-up.
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“I didn’t want to make a scene or anything. I went in pretty lowkey, a few of the boys started looking at me smiling, and I just couldn’t not smile – it kind of erupted in there and the boys got around me, which was good.”
Day-Wicks delivers dream debut
Lining up alongside Hayes will be 18-year-old Archer Day-Wicks, who was selected with pick No.6 in last year’s Rookie Draft. The Bendigo Pioneers product has been turning heads in the VFL this season with his raw power and versatility as a forward and occasional midfielder.
“I was absolutely stoked when I received the call,” Day-Wicks said. “I originally thought it was my alarm ringing, but then I saw Brad Scott’s name... I didn’t know what was going on. I knew it must have been important to be calling so early.
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“To be making my AFL debut is a lifelong dream come true for me. I have strived for this moment since I was 12 years old.
“I feel honoured to play for the Essendon Football Club. It all feels a bit surreal, the history, the great players who have come before me... I hope I make them and the Bomber fans proud.”
Both players will be hoping to make their mark when the Bombers take on the Swans from 4:15 pm AEST.