Composed in traffic, calm and collected at stoppages, Archie Perkins has the tools to be something special.  

So far, his journey has been productive and steady, but Perkins is ready to shift gears and take his game to another level in 2023. 

Touted to be a midfielder as a junior, Perkins has begun his AFL career learning the craft of the forward 50, becoming an important cog in Essendon’s forward line. 

Already closing in on 50 games, Perkins is using this preseason to evolve his game, in a bid to make his presence felt with the Bombers midfield core. 

“I’m feeling really good,” Perkins said. 

“After the new year I am starting to hit my straps so I can hit the season in good form.” 

Entering his third season at the club, Perkins knows well and truly what is expected of him and the group. 

To his credit, a strong two first seasons since being taken with pick No.9 in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft has meant his baseline been built, making him ready to reap the rewards of his labour. 

“It’s more understanding and knowing what is expected,” Perkins said. 

 “(In the ) first couple years, the first in particular, you are a bit unsure how things are going to go. 

“This year, I feel pretty equipped, I know how hard the training can be and how best to recover as well, keep on top of my body.” 

With his frame, skills and ability, it’s no surprise to the Essendon faithful that Perkins has spent the majority of this pre-season in the midfield group.  

“I have been training pretty much fully with the midfield, last year I probably split it,” Perkins said. 

“I have done a lot of work with Daniel Giansiracusa and Ben Jacobs around stoppages and the midfield side of the game. I’m really looking to improve on winning more of the ball, clearances and centre bounces.” 

With the forward apprenticeship nearing completion, it’s not lost on Perkins the importance of the skills that he learnt in front of the footy.  

Having a dynamic approach to his game is one that he wishes to maintain moving forward in his career. 

“Starting as a forward was great for my career though as I learnt a lot of the forward patterns and that side of the game,” Perkins said. 

“I still want to be dynamic and be able to hit the scoreboard up forward.” 

With a relatively deep midfield core, having two strings to his bow is one that Perkins understands is essential to excelling at AFL level.  

“We have a lot of good midfielders, so you need to be open to playing anywhere,” Perkins said. 

 “If I can show that I can play midfield, It’s another string to my bow. 

“I am always seeking advice from our midfield group to improve my craft.”