Archer May will become the first mid-season rookie to debut when he runs out for Essendon against Geeong at the MCG on Saturday.
May was selected by the Bombers with pick No.6 in the mid-season rookie draft earlier this month after a stellar but short time in the WAFL with Subiaco, kicking 12 goals in six games as a forward for the Lions.
The 20-year-old went on to play his first VFL game for the Bombers at the weekend and his one goal, 13-disposals and five-mark outing was enough for coach Brad Scott to hand him a chance in the big league.
May will be the ninth debutant for the injury-hit Bombers this season alongside Isaac Kako, Jaxon Prior, Tom Edwards, Saad El-Hawli, Archer Day-Wicks, Lewis Hayes, Angus Clarke and Zak Johnson.
He was one of four West Australians picked up in the mid-season rookie draft alongside new Bombers teammate Lachlan Blakiston (East Fremantle), new Western Bulldogs defender Michael Sellwood (Peel Thunder) and Collingwood wingman Roan Steele (West Perth).
Speaking ahead of the draft, May opened up on what changed for him to go from Richmond VFL discard to AFL ready.
“I really put my head down over the off-season, I got myself a running coach and trained with a number of AFL players,” he said. “I set out to improve my speed, agility and marking craft.
“I had massive growth in the gym, in my speed numbers and also my 2km time trial. I think that preparation has set me in good stead to start the year off well.”
https://thewest.com.au/sport/essendon-bombers/essendon-mid-season-recruit-and-subiaco-product-archer-may-to-make-his-afl-debut-against-geelong-c-19009987
