AFL round 13: Irving Mosquito scores two goals for Essendon Bombers on debut

Indigenous football prodigy Irving Mosquito has set the AFL alight after scoring twice on debut in front of a packed Darwin crowd.

Indigenous football prodigy Irving Mosquito has set the AFL alight after scoring twice on debut in front of a packed Darwin crowd.

Two days after World Mosquito Day, Essendon Bombers young gun Irving Mosquito set the AFL alight with two goals on debut in the Northern Territory.

Hailing from Halls Creek in northern Western Australia, Mosquito was this week named in Essendon’s side to take on the Richmond Tigers in Darwin, and it didn’t take long for the AFL prodigy to make his mark.

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During the first quarter of Saturday evening’s clash, Essendon midfielder Andrew McGrath booted the footy inside 50 towards Mosquito, who claimed a classy mark high above his head.

The 19-year-old took his time, but successfully kicked the Sherrin between the centre posts, and the beaming small forward was promptly swarmed by his teammates.

“What a way to handle that moment! Wonderful!” Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw cried.

“He didn’t look like missing. What a moment from Irving Mosquito.”

How good is this?! A moment Irving Mosquito will never forget! Video via: Sarah D’Arcy @essendonfc @7AFL #AFLDonsTigers #Dreamtime pic.twitter.com/iDDvl0DyqH

— Stephanie Chiocci (@Steph_Chiocci) August 22, 2020

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But the best was yet to come — in the second quarter, Mosquito cleaned up a loose ball before barging through a tackle, sprinting 20 metres and scoring his second major of the night.

The crowd went wild as the Indigenous rookie embraced his ecstatic teammates.

“That was unbelievable. How smooth is he?” five-time All-Australian Gavin Wanganeen said.

“He is buzzing, literally.”

Dream time in Darwin 😍😍 and I think Irving Mosquito might be my new favourite player @essendonfc #dreamtimeindarwin

— Sam Darley (@Sdarley14) August 22, 2020

Irving Mosquito has replaced Sydney Stack as the AFL player with the best name. #AFLDonsTigers

— Henrietta Cook (@henriettacook) August 22, 2020

Great to see Irving Mosquito getting his first goal in #afl on debut. #AFLDeadly and only 2 days after world mosquito day.

— Jono Haysom (@JonoH) August 22, 2020

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The Advocate sports writer Alex Fair tweeted: “Irving Mosquito’s smile is exactly what we need in 2020. What a moment.”

ABC sports broadcaster Quentin Hull posted: “A Mosquito will never be more popular in Darwin.”

AFL journalist Nat Edwards tweeted: “What a moment for Irving Mosquito! Always wondered why the Hawks didn’t recruit him given we had access through our NGA … good start to his career at Essendon.”

Geelong Advertiser sports editor Alex Oates posted: “That’s the first time I have ever clapped an Essendon goal through.”

Fox Sports commentator Brenton Speed tweeted: “Amazing that Irving Mosquito only became ready to play AFL this week … a brilliant footballer and finisher you’d love to have in your team. 2 goals out of Essendon’s 3 ain’t bad.”

Hawthorn great Terry Wallace told AFL Nation: “It’ll be hard to beat that one for goal of the night. That was brilliant.”

Despite Mosquito’s heroics, Essendon suffered a 10.13 (73) to 10.1 (61) defeat on Saturday. Mosquito finished the match with eight disposals, two marks and a behind to go with his two goals.