Bumper AFL draft class delivers another debut as Essendon midfielder Ben Hobbs earns his shot
Three more players selected in the first round of last year’s AFL draft will make their senior debut in round 5.
Twelve players picked in the first round of last year’s AFL draft will already have made their senior debut by the end of this weekend in an early sign of how special this class could be.
Essendon midfielder Ben Hobbs, the No.13 selection, will play his first game against Fremantle on Sunday, a day after Giants smooth-mover Finn Callaghan, the third pick, made his maiden appearance.
The last of the 20 footballers snapped up in the first round, Kai Lohmann, also made his debut for Brisbane on Thursday night.
Eight of the first 12 players taken in the 2021 draft featured in the AFL during the first month, with budding stars Nick Daicos and Josh Rachele scoring the past two Rising Star nominations.
Western Bulldogs father-son selection Sam Darcy (No.2), Gold Coast’s Mac Andrew (No.5) and Docker Jye Amiss (No.8) are still waiting for a call-up among the top 10, but are either injured or had interrupted pre-seasons.
Darcy, the son of Bulldogs great Luke, faces another couple of months out with a foot stress fracture.
But Andrew amassed 23 disposals and eight marks in the VFL last weekend, while Amiss rounded out the WAFL pre-season with three goals for Peel Thunder.
Hobbs, 18, earned his opportunity with a strong start to the VFL season, averaging 23 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles across the opening fortnight.
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But coach Ben Rutten, who revealed Hobbs’ news in front of the playing group, hinted he could have a different role in Sunday’s clash with Fremantle at Marvel Stadium.
“He’s displayed some really strong form in the VFL and has been able to spend a little bit more time forward in training as well, which has helped his chances of playing,” Rutten said.
“We know he’s going to be a good inside ball-winner for the future for us, but he might spend a bit of time as a forward as well.”
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