This season, six debutants were given the chance by the Bombers to taste AFL football for the first time, ranging from a 19-year-old from the inner suburbs of Melbourne to a mature aged 24-year-old recruit from Western Australia.

Watch highlights from the new breed of Bombers here on Bomber TV?

In round four, mature aged recruit Cory Dell’Olio was selected to play his first match against Carlton at the MCG, after being elevated to the senior list in place of the injured Brent Prismall.

The 22-year-old had a significant impact during his first game for the Bombers finishing with 9 possessions and 5 tackles after coming on as the substitute midway through the third quarter.

Dell’Olio provided important forward line pressure during his eight matches at AFL level this season and finished with 9 goals for the year.

The next player to debut was in Round 16 against Port Adelaide when strongly built defender Mark Baguley played his first game at the age of 25.

The boy from Frankston looked at home from the first minute of his opening match at AFL level collecting 20 disposals and providing a calm influence across halfback.

He missed just one more match for the season, in round 21 against Carlton, averaging 16 disposals a game from his seven matches during 2012.

Essendon’s first round draft selection Elliott Kavanagh received a late call up to make his debut against Hawthorn in round 18.

Kavanagh was drafted with pick 19 from theWestern Jets in the 2011 draft and managed 13 disposals in what would be his only match during his first season at the top level.

The slightly framed midfielder had a strong season for Bendigo at VFL level with a number of best on ground performances.

24-year-old Brendan Lee was rewarded for a consistent season in the VFL with his first game in round 20 against North Melbourne.

Lee was thrown into the heat of the midfield during the crucial clash against the Kangaroos gathering 18 disposals and six tackles.

After suffering from injury problems earlier in the season consistent performances for Bendigo in the second half of the year saw pick 59 in the national draft, Nick O’Brien, play his first game for the Bombers in round 22 against Richmond.

The 19-year-old forward joined a unique club during his debut booting a goal with his first kick in AFL football.

O’Brien went on to impress in the final round match against Collingwood kicking two goals to set up what promises to be an exciting year in 2013 for the youngster.

The final round of the season saw Essendon’s sixth debutant, Jackson Merrett, named for the Bombers clash with Collingwood at the MCG.

The lightly framed Merrett impressed across half forward laying a number of important tackles throughout the night.

Merett, 19, will be looking for a strong pre-season in the gym as he builds towards 2013.