Isaac Kako, it’s time to live out your childhood dream.

The 18-year-old will become the 1200th player to don the sash when he suits up for his AFL debut in front of a stacked MCG crowd against old rivals Hawthorn on Friday night at the MCG, confirmed in front of an elated playing group ahead of Tuesday morning’s open training session.

Taken by Essendon with pick No.13 in last year’s National Draft, the Calder Cannons and Vic Metro product’s pre-season positioned himself well for an early season debut, putting together a strong body of work and immediately impressing his teammates and coaches.

A pure small forward with high work rate and an innate eye for goal, Dons fans have already been eager to see the childhood Bombers supporter in action at senior level.

The Club’s membership staff will be the first to attest that Kako’s become something of a cult figure before even seeing the field this week – they were on hand to see (what were left of) his player badges sell out and the manic lines form out front of his snap-and-sign tent at Family Day just a fortnight ago.

Kako’s introduction of four goals in the AAMI Community Series clash against Geelong in February might’ve been the most prominent precursor to that craze, but it’s the 18-year-old’s journey and affiliation to Essendon that resonates with members as much as his exciting play inside attacking 50.

Born into a family that moved to Australia via multiple countries from Iraq in 1999, it would’ve been understandable for footy not to be on the horizon for Kako – it wasn’t until he picked it up as a youngster that his dad and wider family took an interest to the game in the first place.

Kako’s older brother was the first to shape that journey, locking onto the Dons for his support and inspiring his younger sibling to do the same.

While most Dons fans associate the No.7 to current skipper Zach Merrett, it was the previous wearer which Kako took an early liking to, with fellow goalsneak Leroy Jetta one of his footy idols as a budding small forward.

Despite Kako’s father following Richmond, it might be safe to say those allegiances have swayed in the months, and potentially mere moments, following being drafted with the Bombers via pick No.13 in last year’s National Draft.

A change to the AFL’s NGA rulings last year allowed the Club to secure Kako’s talents with that pick following a trade, talents the Club were very familiar with over the course of more than five years.

From the age of 13, Essendon has played an instrumental part in Kako’s development as a footballer. Identified as a young prospect within its NGA region, the NEC Hangar and the James Hird Academy has hosted him for training and experiences around the Club ever since, most of those alongside Jayden Nguyen, also taken last year as a Rookie selection.

That exposure has helped his continual ascent into becoming one of the most touted and anticipated players from last year’s draft pool, and is bearing fruit for the Club’s commitment to supporting its pathway programs, especially in the North-West corridor where he grew up.

While his performances with Metro and the Cannons provided the platform for his standing as a first-round draftee, it’s likely his JHA roots and a successful stint with Parade College - particularly his friendships there - which excite the Bomber faithful most.

That distinct set of flowing dreadlocks might make it easier, but it’s worth keeping an eye on that famous No.10 guernsey this Friday night.

For that teenager, it’s the realisation of a dream, with the Club he’d always wanted it to be for.

Essendon’s season-opening clash with Hawthorn kicks off from 7:40pm on Friday, broadcast live on Ch 7, FOX and Kayo.