First-year player Archie Roberts will become the 1198th Bomber after earning an AFL debut for round 21.

After being selected by Essendon with pick No.54 in the 2023 AFL National Draft, Roberts becomes the second debutant for the Dons this season after fellow first-year teammate Nate Caddy.

SEE ARCHIE ROBERTS' FULL PLAYING BIO HERE

The 18-year-old has been rewarded following a season of consistent performances for Essendon's VFL team.

Rotating between wing and halfback, the silky left-footer has averaged 21 disposals across 14 games, with his ball use and contested ball-winning ability major highlights of his gameplay.

Roberts' latest VFL performance was an arguable best-on-ground, registering 28 disposals, six marks and one goal in the Bombers' victory over Sandringham.