Kyle Langford will make his debut for Essendon this Sunday against St Kilda.
The Northern Knights recruit was taken with the Bombers first selection (No. 17 overall) in last year’s National Draft.
“Kyle is a good runner, a very good half-forward, a good mark and can get up in the midfield,” Essendon Coach James Hird said.
“We’re very excited about having Kyle in the team.”
The 18 year old impressed during the NAB Challenge and will bring versatility to a Bombers forward line that will be missing Paul Chapman.
The 2009 Norm Smith Medal winner will miss the match with groin soreness.
The Bombers have named Elliott Kavanagh, Orazio Fantasia and Jackson Merrett on an extended bench for Sunday’s game.
“We’ve added some young talent there. We need some run and just to continue to add depth to our side,” Hird said.
“We’re looking forward to them playing a lot more football and giving us some run around the packs.”