Jayden Laverde made a promising start to his Essendon career, gathering some important possessions and providing a lead-up option in the Bombers narrow win over Melbourne.

The 19 year old gathered six disposals and laid four tackles in his first taste of AFL football. 

“Just the speed and intensity of the way the boys play,” Laverde cited as the biggest difference from playing in the VFL.

“You just realise how much of a step up it is, so a bit of learning for me, which is good.”

Laverde’s family was in the rooms before the game as the Bombers stand-in Captain Dyson Heppell presented the debutant with his first Essendon jumper. 

“It was pretty special to see my parents and my brothers, they’ve been through it with me the whole way,” he said.

“It was a proud moment for me and my family.” 

Laverde’s father, Tony, was equally glowing.

“To see your son going through it, you’re on top of the world.  It’s great for him and he’s worked hard,” he said. 

For Jayden, the priority now is finding consistency in the senior side.

“I was wrecked at the end, but that’s what is required to step up to the next level so I’ve got to keep working on that.  It shows me what’s needed,” he said.

“Just fighting hard to keep my spot in the side, doing the little things, play my role – that’s ultimately what I want to do.”