With AAP
Isaac Kako will make his AFL debut for Essendon on Friday.
The 18-year-old will become the 1200th player to don the sash when he suits up for his AFL debut in front of a stacked MCG crowd against old rivals Hawthorn on Friday night.
It was confirmed on Tuesday morning that he would make his debut.
The Northern Saints and Calder Cannons product was taken at pick 13 in last year’s draft.
Kako is described as a pure small forward with high work rate and an innate eye for goal, Dons fans have already been eager to see the childhood Bombers supporter in action at senior level.
Kako’s introduction of four goals in the community series clash against Geelong in February gave Bomber fans a glimpse of what he could do.
Born into a family that moved to Australia via multiple countries from Iraq in 1999, it would’ve been understandable for footy not to be on the horizon for Kako – it wasn’t until he picked it up as a youngster that his dad and wider family took an interest to the game in the first place.
Coach Brad Scott said it feels like Kako has been part of the fabric of the club.
“Playing round one, his first game of his career is a great achievement, but it’s felt for us like it’s been a long build for him.
“He’s an extremely level-headed young man.
“He stands out. He’s already a fan favourite, but he’s just shown a remarkable ability to focus on what we want him to focus on.”
