The Bombers will blood two more AFL debutants on Saturday, with Archie Perkins and Alec Waterman confirmed to line up against the Saints at Marvel Stadium.
The pair received the exciting news from senior coach Ben Rutten during Thursday's team meeting, and will become the club's latest AFL debutants since Nik Cox and Harrison Jones in round one.
No.9 draft pick Perkins has earned his opportunity after three impressive VFL performances playing predominantly in midfield.
The damaging 19-year-old, who is best known for his explosiveness and attacking instinct, starred in his six NAB League games with Sandringham in 2019, averaging 1.7 goals and 14.2 disposals in a midfield-forward role.
Despite not playing any competitive footy in 2020 like all Victorian draftees, he made an instant impact in his first AFL pre-season, featuring in the Bombers' hitouts against Carlton and Geelong.
Slick work from Perk ?? pic.twitter.com/MrLqwWOMVY
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) February 26, 2021
Waterman's impending debut shapes as one of Essendon's feel-good stories of 2021.
The son of dual West Coast premiership player Chris Waterman, the 24-year-old spent two seasons on the Eagles' list, battling adrenal fatigue before his delisting at the end of 2016.
Determined for a second chance in the AFL, Waterman shone for Claremont Tigers in the WAFL last year, booting 26 goals from 10 games in his move from an inside midfielder to a damaging forward.
His 2020 campaign spiked the interest of the Bombers, who flew the West Australian to Tullamarine in February as a train-on player.
Waterman didn't look back, making headlines for his four-goal performance in a practice match against Carlton and earning a one-year rookie contract five days later.
Switching to half-back in recent VFL practice games, he could also give Rutten another option to replace captain Dyson Heppell, who is unlikely to return from a back complaint.
The Bombers will make at least three forced changes when they name their line-up at 6:20pm on Friday, with Dylan Shiel (knee), Sam Draper (ankle) and Jye Caldwell (hamstring) casualties in last week's loss to Port Adelaide.
Fit-again forward Jake Stringer is a confirmed addition for his first game of the season, while Matt Guelfi is in the mix after a strong return from injury in the VFL on Saturday.
Ruckman Andrew Phillips is also available for selection after returning to full fitness.
