Jaxon Prior, Essendon player No.1199.
The Bombers recruit has been confirmed for a Club debut against Hawthorn on Friday night, receiving the news in front of his new teammates before the side’s main training session on Tuesday morning.
Prior, who’s already featured at AFL level 39 times for Brisbane, brings added versatility and toughness to the Dons’ back six, with his ability to lock down a variety of different-sized opponents one of the key facets in his game.
The 23-year-old adds a new chapter to a family history already aligned with the Bombers, after father Michael played 81 games with the Club from 1994-2000.
Prior has made neat impressions on Bomber fans over the last month from solid performances in each of the two pre-season fixtures against the Cats and Bulldogs, slotting in nicely to the defensive group alongside staples such as Jordan Ridley and Ben McKay.
The defender’s experience across five years with a successful Lions outfit has lended itself well to the squad in the early stages of his time at the NEC Hangar, looking to thrive off a fresh start with a new Club.
Prior’s Club debut will come in front of one of the biggest crowds of his career as the Dons open their season against an old rival in the Hawks, with the first bounce from 7:40pm this Friday night.
