First-year Bomber Tuth ‘Tom’ Jok’s boyhood dream will come true when he makes his long-awaited senior debut in Essendon’s blockbuster clash with Collingwood at the MCG on Friday.
Jok has been a consistent performer throughout his first year in the red and black, impressing with his athleticism and versatility to earn his spot in the side.
The 22-year-old’s journey to an AFL debut has seen him take an unconventional path after being overlooked in multiple drafts following his under-18 season with Dandenong and Vic Country.
Jok shakes off current teammate Dylan Clarke playing for Dandenong in 2015. (Image: AFL Photos)
Jok didn’t let the disappointment of missing out faze him, instead putting his head down to continue his development in the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) with St Kevin’s Old Boys, representing his old high school.
It was there that he became a star, turning heads in the competition with his dash, drive and high-flying ability and playing a key role in the club’s consecutive Premier A premierships in 2017 and 2018.
It earned Jok the opportunity to join Collingwood’s VFL side in the back half of 2018, where he was sensational across the ground, including a pivotal role in the ruck during the Magpies’ finals series.
The Essendon supporter’s dream of donning the sash came to fruition in November when he was selected with the club’s first pick (No.8 overall) in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
The call that started it all pic.twitter.com/AMhHe2BeIy
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) August 22, 2019
An impressive pre-season saw the new Don get a chance to line up in the JLT Community Series opener against Carlton, but he suffered a concussion due to an incidental head knock that put an early end to his game in the final term.
It didn’t stunt his momentum, however, with Jok performing well in his Essendon VFL debut against Frankston with 17 disposals, six marks and a goal to kick off what has been a strong season in the red and black.
Jok had 25 disposals, five tackles and four hitouts against Sandringham in the VFL in round 18. (Image: AFL Photos)
Bone bruising in his knee interrupted his campaign, but a stretch of five consecutive games has Jok fit and firing for his first AFL game in front of what will be a heaving crowd at the MCG.
Standing 190cm tall, Jok is more than capable of lining up in any part of the ground and could find himself helping out in various positions against the Magpies on Friday.
Jok and his fellow Bombers will take on their bitter rivals from 7:50pm.