Opportunities to prove yourself in the AFL can take time, patience and diligence.

For Vigo Visentini, this idea resonates strongly and is a driving force behind his development.

Slipping through the National Draft last year, Visentini was picked up by Essendon with pick eight in the rookie draft and he hasn’t looked back since, embracing the NEC Hangar and the opportunity to prove he belongs.

Appearing in 17 of a possible 18 VFL games in his debut season, the 19-year-old always looked to take a day-by-day approach to the club which held him in good stead.

“It feels like not so long ago when I walked in the doors for the first time,” Visentini said.

“I think the main thing for me was to get better with each day and each session and just trying to learn as quick as I can, as best as I could.”

For any young draftee, the rigours of the AFL environment extend far beyond junior footy, which Visentini’s found out in his debut year.

Establishing a good routine and shifting focus towards strong preparation and elite standards are quintessential to starting on the front foot.

“Getting a good routine, good preparation for games and things, was very important,” Visentini said.

“Being in an elite environment with the ultimate professionals, there's a bit of expectation but also as a first-year player, people have been very welcoming and encouraging.”

For Visentini, there have been plenty of teammates to draw knowledge, wisdom and experience from over the course of his first season, particularly the more experienced ruck group consisting of Todd Goldstein, Sam Draper and Nick Bryan.

“’Goldy’ (Goldstein’s) been super, so has ‘Drapes’ (Draper) and ‘Bryza’ (Bryan) as well, they've all been really open and given me lots of time, especially with reviewing footage and craft,” Visentini said.

“Even Kyle Langford (has been big for me) as well with forward craft. I didn't really play forward that much as a junior, so being able to be versatile and play different positions where you know the structure and can fit in and do what's required is super important.”

Learning how to ply his trade as a forward became integral for Visentini this season, especially with Bryan taking over primary rucking duties in the VFL through the first half of the year.

His season-high effort of three goals against Southport in round four demonstrated a strong step forward for the 203cm big man, who bore the fruits of his labour from a focus to hitting the gym over the pre-season.

“I think I have learnt a lot about leading patterns in particular and how crucial they are to playing as a forward in the AFL,” Visentini said.

“I also have learnt a lot about marking contests, having awareness of where your teammates are, knowing when to go and lead at the ball and also knowing when to seal for your teammates and that sort of thing.”

“(In the) Southport game pretty early in the year I started to feel like I could compete properly with men, just being able to know what you're capable of and actually executing and taking a few marks.”

Late in the season, the VFL ruck tandem saw a slight change with Bryan being called up to the senior side, allowing more opportunities for Visentini at stoppages and the chance to produce some of the learnings taken from his ruck partner.

“(Bryan) has obviously been super, ultra consistent for a few years and he'd done his time to earn his call up at the end of the year.” Vigo said.

“It also feels that he has come into the club in a similar way or at a similar stage of development, so I’m probably just using that for motivation.”

After a busy first season of development, Visentini’s happy to reflect and savour the opportunity to be a part of the football club going forward, the hard work only just beginning in his journey.

“I am keen to hit the ground running and am looking to get better each week with the off-season program. I’m looking forward to 2025,” Visentini said.